Indiana QB Celebrates Title Win With Mom Battling MS

Seconds after Indiana won its first national championship in school history, quarterback Fernando Mendoza didn't celebrate with teammates. Instead, he rushed to find his mom, Elsa, who was waiting in her wheelchair with tears streaming down her face.

The embrace between mother and son became the emotional highlight of Monday night's 27-21 victory over Miami. Elsa, who has multiple sclerosis, told reporters the moment was "a dream come true."

Fernando has called his mom his "best friend" throughout this magical season. The Heisman Trophy winner credits her determination battling MS as his daily inspiration to push harder in workouts and never give up on difficult plays.

MS breaks down the protective covering of nerves and can affect someone's ability to walk. Elsa uses a wheelchair, but her son says her joy and positive attitude fuel everything he does on the field.

The quarterback put his words into action by partnering with an Indiana business to create the "Mendoza Burrito." Every dollar from sales goes directly to the National MS Society.

Fernando's first season at Indiana rewrote the record books. He led the former bottom-feeder program to a perfect 16-0 record, defeating powerhouses like reigning champion Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Miami along the way.

Before he won the Heisman in December, Elsa wrote her son a letter thanking him for always making her feel seen. She praised him for including her in college visit details, calling before games she missed during treatment, and even joking with her when carrying her up stairs.

"You've never once looked away," she wrote. "You've never once treated me like I'm embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love and are standing by."

When Fernando won college football's top honor, he broke down honoring his mother. "Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it's mine," he said through tears.

Why This Inspires

The Mendoza family shows us that the greatest victories happen when we share them with the people who shaped us. Fernando's success on the field matters, but his refusal to let his mom's illness change how he sees her matters more.

Throughout Monday's championship game, cameras caught Elsa and Fernando Sr. celebrating every big play. After his fourth-quarter touchdown run gave Indiana the lead, both parents were on their feet, with Fernando Sr. standing beside his wife's wheelchair, arms raised in triumph.

The perfect season ended with a perfect moment: a son sharing his biggest achievement with the woman who taught him that determination beats any obstacle.