Indiana QB Turns Burger into $150K for MS Research

When Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, he already knew his biggest win would happen off the field.

The college football star and his brother Alberto partnered with Bloomington restaurateur Ed Schwartzman to create the Mendoza Bros. Burger, a Cuban-inspired menu item that honors their mother Elsa, who has battled multiple sclerosis for nearly two decades. Every burger sold contributes directly to MS research, with Schwartzman donating 20% of each purchase and personally matching that amount.

The fundraising effort has already raised more than $150,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "All the proceeds of that burger that I would get goes to that research," Fernando told Fox News Digital. "I know how much it means to myself, and I also know how much it means to my mother."

The partnership almost didn't happen. Schwartzman nearly deleted the initial email from the brothers' management team, assuming it was another request for donations.

Instead, he discovered something different: two college athletes who weren't looking for money but wanted a local restaurant partner for a good cause. Together, they crafted a burger with smashed double patties, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, mustard, and a slice of hot ham on a buttered brioche bun. No ketchup needed.

Fernando made one crucial decision early on. He insisted the burger carry both their names, not just his, making it the Mendoza Bros. Burger.

The entire Indiana football program has rallied behind the cause. Kicker Josh Placzek called the companion Cuban breakfast sandwich a post-workout staple. "It's delicious, and it's supporting a great cause, so it's a win-win," he said.

Why This Inspires

Fernando sees the burger as proof that name, image, and likeness opportunities in college sports can serve purposes far beyond personal gain. "NIL can be seen in such a negative light," he explained. "However, my thought is, 'Hey, I've been inspired by other college players. Let's do it for a good cause.'"

Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, called the partnership "a beautiful testament to their mother Elsa and the power of community." The organization is grateful to the brothers for shining a spotlight on MS and showing how everyone can help move toward a world free of the disease.

As Indiana's historic football season draws national attention to Bloomington, every game-day burger order transforms campus traffic into tangible hope for MS research. "We're still fighting to find a cure," Alberto said, "and hopefully we will."