Heisman Winner Keeps Christmas Eve Promise to Priests

When Father Patrick Hyde saw a Christmas Eve text from Fernando Mendoza asking to bring over the Heisman Trophy, he cleared his packed holiday schedule immediately.

Mendoza, who became Indiana's first Heisman winner this year, had promised the Saint Paul Church priests he'd share the trophy with them. While most people would understand if a superstar athlete got too busy, Mendoza showed up.

"No one would have thought twice if he didn't," Hyde says. "But he wanted to share something special with the priests who had blessed him."

The quarterback's relationship with Saint Paul began when he enrolled at Indiana last winter. Mendoza and teammate Charlie Becker attended Mass together, came in for Friday prayer sessions before home games, and joined Father Ben Keller for breakfast.

His faith isn't just talk. Hyde and Keller have traveled with the team throughout the playoffs, their white Dominican habits making them the most conspicuous fans in every stadium as they've cheered Indiana to an undefeated season heading into Monday's national championship game against Miami.

"The only reason I've gotten to this point is because there's so many different people helping me in my journey," Mendoza says. "I really give a lot that I have accomplished this season to the Lord."

Mendoza's journey to this moment reads like a sports movie script. Five years ago, major college programs ignored him completely, leaving the Miami native committed to Yale with no power-conference offers.

Cal offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave took a chance based on a recommendation from retired coach David Lee. Musgrave convinced skeptical head coach Justin Wilcox to recruit a quarterback from across the country when plenty were available locally.

That leap of faith changed everything. Mendoza graduated from Cal with a business degree in three years, then transferred to Indiana for one magical season that ended with college football's most prestigious award.

His tearful Heisman speech, mentioning his Cuban heritage and mother Elsa's battle with multiple sclerosis, captivated America. A Kentucky thoroughbred executive was so moved he named a racehorse after Mendoza.

Why This Inspires

In an era when star athletes often seem distant and self-absorbed, Mendoza represents something refreshingly different. He credits others for his success, keeps promises even when he's exhausted, and genuinely lives his values.

"He's humble," says Lourdes Le Batard, a Miami fan who admitted on her son's show she's rooting for Mendoza over her hometown Hurricanes. "He's the biggest thing in his sport and he never says, 'I'm so great.'"

From overlooked high school prospect to Heisman winner who remembers to thank his priests, Mendoza proves that character and talent can rise together.