Fernando Mendoza and A’ja Wilson were among the winners at the annual ESPYS on Wednesday.
Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback, was celebrated for leading Indiana to the national championship, taking home the ESPY for best college athlete in men’s sports.
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, attended the ESPN awards show with his family at Lincoln Center in New York City and took the stage to accept the ESPY.
“Football is the ultimate team sport and although this award has one name on it, it belonged to so many people,” Mendoza told the crowd, thanking Indiana teammates, coaches and fans along with his family. “God bless. Go Raiders.”
He also congratulated the other nominees — Duke basketball player Cameron Boozer, Penn State wrestler Mitchell Mesenbrink and N.C. State soccer player Donavan Phillip.
Mendoza was also nominated for best breakthrough athlete, with Olympic gold medal figure skater Alysa Liu winning that award.
Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP who led the Aces to another championship, won awards for best athlete in women’s sports and best WNBA player.
