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Tearful Fernando Mendoza delivers passionate speech after winning Heisman Trophy

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz9 hours agoNickSchultz_7

For the first time in Indiana program history, a Hoosier won the Heisman Trophy. Fernando Mendoza won college football’s most prestigious award, and he delivered a passionate speech afterward.

Mendoza spoke for roughly four minutes after winning the Heisman. He beat out Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia for the award, garnering 643 first-place votes and 2,362 points. Pavia got 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points.

During his speech, Mendoza thanked teammates and members of his family. But when he got to his mother, the emotions flowed.

“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” Mendoza said. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why, you’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, love. Those have been my first playbook and the playbook I’m going to 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.”

Fernando Mendoza: ‘Believe in your own abilities’

While leading Indiana to a perfect 13-0 record – the last undefeated team standing – and the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff, Mendoza shined after transferring from Cal. He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes this year while completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, to just six interceptions.

But before helping Indiana to its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and getting the Hoosiers to the top seed in the CFP, Mendoza was an under-the-radar recruit when he committed to Cal. As he wrapped up his speech, he had a message to other young football players who feel like they’re overlooked.

“I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know I was you,” Mendoza said. “I was that kid, too. I was in your shoes. The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you. And you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem.”

Now, Fernando Mendoza joins a historic line of Heisman Trophy winners – and, at long last, one is heading back to Bloomington. Indiana is soon turning its attention to the College Football Playoff, starting out in the Rose Bowl.