On Monday night (Jan. 19), Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza led the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever college football title. The 22-year-old quarterback was instrumental to his team’s 27-21 victory over the University of Miami in the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship game.
Before the big game, Mendoza and several teammates knelt in prayer. Afterward, the outspoken Christian, who grew up in Miami, hoisted the CFP trophy in his hometown’s Hard Rock Stadium. “I just give all the glory to God,” an emotional Mendoza said.
Referencing his “full-circle moment,” Mendoza noted that the Hurricanes hadn’t even offered him a walk-on role. But the QB wasn’t basking in revenge; he simply enjoyed what he called “the most special moment of my life.”
QB Fernando Mendoza Credits Jesus, Values Faith Leaders
Last month, after becoming the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy, Fernando Mendoza thanked God “for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away.” The quarterback said his faith was “basically the sole reason why I got here.”
Before the Heisman ceremony, Mendoza admitted he was happy that God had put “bumps and challenges in my life.” The QB, who fought to find a college team and land a starting role, said, “Evidently, those have been blessings because they’ve lit a fire underneath myself in order to make myself work harder and get to the point that I am today.”
Mendoza added, “I believe that I would not be here without the path that my Lord, Jesus Christ, has put me on today. And so that’s why I always try to give him the glory and always give him the thanks, as I know he has a plan for me.”
On Monday night, with the 15-0 Hoosiers fighting for the championship, Mendoza made the play of the game. The QB ended a 12-yard touchdown run by lunging over the goal line, to the delight of teammates and fans.
In the stands were Mendoza’s friends and family, including mother Elsa, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Also present were two Catholic priests whom the QB has befriended while at Indiana.
Father Patrick Hyde and Father Ben Keller serve at Saint Paul Church, a parish located on the Indiana University campus. They have welcomed Mendoza and a teammate to Mass, pre-game prayer sessions, and even breakfast.
Mendoza and the priests grew so close that the QB brought over his Heisman Trophy on Christmas Eve. “When someone offers to bring the Heisman Trophy by, you clear the schedule,” Hyde told Sports Illustrated. “[Mendoza] wanted to share something special with the priests who had blessed him.”
Mendoza has thanked the priests at Saint Paul for “helping me in my journey…whether it’s confession or just to be able to talk or just Mass every Sunday.” The athlete added, “I really give a lot that I have accomplished this season to the Lord, and we give thanks to God.”
