Celebrating a Letter From a Mother to Her Heisman-Winning Son

by Paul Batura | December 15, 2025 | Family

Elsa Mendoza, mother of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, is battling multiple sclerosis. Just prior to her son receiving the famed award in New York on Saturday, she wrote him an emotional letter expressing gratitude for how he’s supported her over the years.

Mothers and fathers sacrificially pour themselves into their sons and daughters when it comes to athletics. Whether it’s driving them to practices, attending their games, taking on a second job to afford camps or simply playing with them in the backyard or driveway, sport moms and dads are a unique breed.

But the Mendoza story is unlike most. Given Mrs. Mendoza’s physical challenges, we learn a bit more about the Indiana Hoosier’s character by reading her letter to him.

Here are a few excerpts Elsa’s note to Fernando:

“You’ve made me feel seen. Whether it was giving me full debriefs of your college visits, what you liked and disliked (pictures included) … or it was calling me before some big game I had to miss while in treatment … or it’s being so vocal and passionate about MS fundraising … When you have to carry me up the stairs … you’ve always kept that same spark in your eye.

“No matter what kind of state I’ve been in, or day I’ve been having — you’ve never once looked away. You’ve never once treated me like I’m embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love and are standing by.

“And even as my condition has gotten worse, and as our lives continue to change around that fact: You manage to make me feel like I’m still every part of myself. Like I’m still that same person you’ve been teammates with since we got through our first Boston winter together. Like I’m still that same mom.

“Your accomplishments will NEVER impact how proud of you I am. Because you are already everything I could have hoped for as a mother…. and that has nothing to do with the miles you throw or the touchdowns you score. It has everything to do with the man you’ve grown into.

“As an oldest brother who shows the way. As a hard worker who has an unstoppable spirit. As a Cuban American athlete who represents his community. As a leader who lifts up, and lends kindness, even when no one is looking. As a person of faith, who leans on God and trusts Him, even when it’s an uneasy road. You have a future that’s so bright and a heart that’s so full. My gentle giant. My darling son. My buddy. My teammate. I believe in you with every part of me. I’m proud of you, not just today, but every day.”

On Saturday night, as Fernando received the award, he said:

Mami, this is your trophy as much as mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why, you’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage and love have been my first playbook and the playbook I will carry by my side through my entire life.

You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud, it can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope, it’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.

After Indiana University upset Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship, Mendoza told ESPN:

I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position, but by the glory of God, the great coaches, great teammates, everyone we have around us, we were able to pull these off.

Mendoza is from Miami. He attends Mass and leads a weekly Bible study.

Whether on the field or off, Fernando is guided by a simple but profound truth, quoting Scripture:

“With God, all things are possible.”

Photo credit: ESPN