Meet Fernando Mendoza: the untold story behind a Heisman Trophy win and a potential No. 1 NFL Draft pick

Boxing and baseball are the most common sports in Cuban communities. Fernando Mendoza, born in Miami but the grandson of Cuban immigrants, chose a different path – American football – a decision that has taken him to the very top and made him the leading candidate to be selected first overall in next year’s NFL Draft.

The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback led his team to an undefeated season and the No. 1 spot in NCAA football, achievements that earned him the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in college football. Mendoza finished the regular season with 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdown throws and six interceptions, numbers that placed him alongside Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia – of Mexican heritage – as finalists for the award.

Although he has lived his entire life in the United States, Mendoza says he is deeply proud of his Cuban roots through his grandparents, who taught him the value of perseverance and hard work, lessons he applies every day. He acknowledges his admiration for Cuba’s sporting tradition in other disciplines but wants to inspire other Cuban communities to take up American football.

“My idea was to be able to broaden horizons and show different Cuban communities that it’s not just about boxing and baseball – sports we excel at and that I love,” he said in an interview with CNN. “I really enjoy watching those sports, but we can also play American football and any other discipline we want to pursue.”

History of the Heisman

By winning the Heisman Trophy, Fernando Mendoza matched Jim Plunkett – who has Mexican roots – as the only Latino players to have claimed college football’s most prestigious individual honor.

“It’s definitely a great honor to be part of the conversation, especially alongside so many great players from the past and great players who are in the conversation now,” he told the same network. “Honestly, I’ve always trusted my team and myself. Now I’m just trying to take it one game at a time, one practice at a time, so I can keep a clear vision and achieve my bigger goals.”

If selected in the draft, he would join Nik Bonitto, a linebacker with the Denver Broncos; Chris Olave, a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints; and Eddy Pineiro, a kicker with the San Francisco 49ers who also has Nicaraguan roots.

Finally, during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Mendoza paid tribute to his grandparents: “For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents – I love you so much. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

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