Fernando Mendoza’s national championship win ended with an emotional family moment that quickly caught fans’ attention.
After Indiana beat the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 on Monday night to win the national championship, Mendoza ran across the field during the postgame celebration to find his family. When he reached his mother, Elsa Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner bent down and hugged her. Both appeared to get emotional as they embraced, and tears were visible as Mendoza stood up.
Mendoza then hugged his father, Fernando Mendoza, as the family celebrated on the field. His brother, Alberto Mendoza, was also part of the moment. Alberto serves as Indiana’s backup quarterback.
Fernando Mendoza Has Called His Mom His ‘Inspiration’ Amid Her MS Battle
Mendoza and his family have been open about how close they are, and his mother’s health has been a major part of his story. Elsa has been battling multiple sclerosis, and Mendoza previously described her as his “best friend” and inspiration.
“Our mom is our inspiration, our light, and gives us positivity every single day,” Mendoza told the IndyStar. “She’s my idol. I know she’s the same for Alberto, as both of our parents are, and seeing her fight and fight every single day gives us no excuse to ever take anything for granted.”
That family bond was on display throughout the broadcast. Elsa watched the championship game from the stands in a wheelchair alongside her husband, Fernando, and cameras repeatedly showed them reacting during key moments.
After Mendoza scored a late fourth quarter touchdown to help secure the win, the family was shown celebrating in the stands as Indiana took control. Cameras later caught them reacting again to an interception — credited to Beck — that sealed the victory.
Social Media Reacts to Mendoza Family Moment After Indiana Title
This was such a great moment between Fernando Mendoza and his mother, Elsa.
The postgame hug and the family’s reactions during the game sparked strong reactions online. Several fans posted emotional reactions to seeing Mendoza celebrate with his parents after the win.
“Huge fan of Mendoza and his mom. I have dealt with MS personally for more than half my life. I’ve been incredibly lucky but not everyone is. His mother is a warrior and his family is truly amazing,” one person wrote.
Another added: “I’m crying man what the hell. Seeing the Mendoza family got me.”
A third comment read: “The first people Fernando Mendoza ran to after the trophy ceremony? Mom and dad. True champion.”
“Hoosiers! What Indiana did all year was truly incredible but the best moment last night was watching QB Fernando Mendoza leaning in to embrace his Mom after he led his team to victory over Miami for Indiana’s first National Championship,” celebrated another.
Others praised Mendoza and Indiana’s title run, writing, “So happy for Mendoza and his family, what a season for the Hoos,” and “Nothing against Miami, but when you go against a guy like Mendoza it’s hard to root against him.”
Fernando Mendoza’s Mom, Elsa, Opened Up About Her Diagnosis
For Fernando, from his mother, Elsa. ❤️ t.co/aDKpXpJ4TO
The emotional scene also came shortly after Elsa shared more about her health journey publicly. In a letter written to Mendoza in The Players’ Tribune last month, she revealed she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis around 18 years ago.
Elsa also explained her battle became more difficult after she was diagnosed with Covid-19, saying her condition took a “downhill” turn afterward.
With the championship now complete, the family’s next major moment could come soon. Elsa will now prepare to watch her son enter the NFL Draft, where Mendoza is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in April.
Tom Brady was also in attendance Monday night, watching Mendoza in person as the Las Vegas Raiders remain in position to potentially select him with the first pick.
Fernando Mendoza Breaks Down With Mom Elsa After Indiana Wins National Championship