It was after his third year at California — having already graduated with a business degree — when Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana.
When the quarterback heeded the advice of his mother, Elsa.
“She always saw more in me than I saw in myself,” Mendoza said. “At the time, she (challenged) me to take a swing at becoming a great NFL player by transferring and challenging myself in an uncomfortable environment and being uncomfortable in being able to grow.
“She said to step to the plate and if you swing and miss, in 20 years you will know you did everything possible to try and accomplish your dream. I was able to step to the plate and hit a home run last year, so she taught me to have unwavering optimism and to believe in yourself to try and accomplish those goals.”
More like a grand slam.
A Heisman Trophy. A 16-0 record and national championship. Being the No. 1 overall draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Little bro
Mendoza was introduced to the media Friday with his family in attendance. It included his youngest brother, Max, who became even more famous Thursday night when Fernando on national television left Max hanging with a ready high-five after the selection was announced.
“We actually had two post-celebrations when we got the call,” Fernando said, smiling. “I had to pick one on TV. I apologized to him. He knows I love him and so I hit him with a dap and hugged him afterwards.”
Believe it. Max definitely has a future in broadcasting.
You can tell how much family means to Fernando, how his mother’s fight while living with multiple sclerosis is something he and his brothers are intent on making things better for her.
Fernando actually donated $500,000 and launched the Mendoza Family Fund in support of research for MS to work toward a cure for the disease.
His voice cracked Thursday when talking about her, when saying how his mother told him how proud she was following the Raiders making official what most assumed would occur for months.
And her love for him is unwavering.
Elsa, who uses a wheelchair, penned a piece for The Players’ Tribune a few days before the Heisman ceremony that saw her son win the ultimate of collegiate football awards.
“You are already everything I could have hoped for as a mother,” she wrote. “And that has nothing to do with the miles you throw or the touchdowns you score. It has everything to do with the man you’ve grown into. As an oldest brother who shows the way. As a hard worker who has an unstoppable spirit. As a Cuban American athlete who represents his community.
“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.”
Know your team
He has obviously learned well the history of the Raiders, of its deep roots to the Hispanic community. He has more than once pointed out the accomplishments of Jim Plunkett and Tom Flores.
He talks of the responsibility of it all, of it being an honor to uphold the legacy. That he appreciated the Raiders legends who attended his press conference. That what an honor it would be to wear No. 15 (he will do so), that in which Flores sported during his playing career.
Mendoza said he received a text of congratulations from Maxx Crosby. Tyler Linderbaum. Kolton Miller. Kirk Cousins. The latter of whom will, among other things, be the veteran quarterback Mendoza will learn from.
It all seems in place now.
But none of it would mean a thing without those around him he loves, which you saw Friday. His father, Fernando. His younger brother Alberto. Elsa. Max.
All of those who adore him.
“You’ve never once looked away,” Elsa wrote. “You’ve never once treated me like I’m embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love and are standing by. And even as my condition has gotten worse, and as our lives continue to change around that fact: You manage to make me feel like I’m still every part of myself … Like I’m still that same mom.”
Ed Graney, a Sigma Delta Chi Award winner for sports column writing, can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com. Follow @edgraney on X.
