Fernando Mendoza’s Parents Help Star Embrace Latino Heritage

Fernando Mendoza’s parents, Elsa and Fernando Mendoza Sr., have witnessed the Indiana quarterback’s historic college football season. Fernando led Indiana to its first Big Ten title in more than 50 years, a Rose Bowl victory, an undefeated season and an impressive run in the College Football Playoff.

The Indiana star quarterback also made history by becoming just the third Heisman Trophy winner of Latino or Hispanic descent, per The Athletic’s Christopher Kamrani.

Fernando’s family leans on their Cuban heritage as both sets of the quarterback’s grandparents were born and raised in Cuba. The star’s grandparents would eventually immigrate to the United States. Decades later, Fernando was born in Miami as part of a family that embraces their Cuban roots.

“Yeah, so my grandfather is extremely engulfed in history, our family’s history,” Fernando noted in June 2025, per On3. “He always sent us emails, texts. I mean, he’s the best about our family’s history.

“All my grandparents were born and raised in Cuba, three in Havana, one in Santiago, and so I’m extremely grateful for all the hardship that they’ve been through coming over and the whole part of being an immigrant, starting from the ground up and really laying a foundation.”

Here’s what you need to know about the Mendoza family.

Fernando Mendoza’s Dad, Fernando Sr., Played Football With Miami Coach Mario Cristobal

Fernando gave a nod to his grandparents by speaking in Spanish during a portion of his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech. Football runs in the family as the Indiana star’s dad, Fernando Sr., played with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal. As fate would have it, Fernando is one win away from leading Indiana against the Miami coach’s squad in the national title game back in his hometown of Miami.

“I think it speaks to the attractiveness of football as a sport in this country and what it can bring to individual kids,” Fernando Sr. told The Athletic’s Christopher Kamrani referencing what his son’s play means to the Latino community.

“I don’t think of it as a Hispanic or Latino kid playing football or how it’s represented, I think of it more as, this sport offers so much to so many young boys around the country that it really attracts a level of commitment, camaraderie and it speaks more to the game as the individual.”

Fernando Mendoza’s Mom Elsa Praised the Indiana QB for Representing the Cuban Community & Leaning on His Faith

The Mendoza family could soon be rooting on the quarterback in the NFL. Fernando is a heavy favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, if the star quarterback turns pro.

Prior to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, Fernando’s mom Elsa penned an open letter to the quarterback in The Players’ Tribune. Elsa praised her son for representing his Cuban roots and embracing his faith amid his rise to stardom.

“As a Cuban American athlete who represents his community,” Elsa wrote in a December 11, story titled, “Dear Fernando.” “As a leader who lifts up, and lends kindness, even when no one is looking. As a person of faith, who leans on God and trusts Him, even when it’s an uneasy road.

“You have a future that’s so bright and a heart that’s so full. My gentle giant. My darling son. My buddy. My teammate. I believe in you with every part of me.”

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams