Fernando Mendoza has had an inspirational season for Indiana, leading the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and the Big Ten Championship. The quarterback’s excellent season earned him this year’s Heisman Trophy, passing for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns against six interceptions. Beyond his on-field success, Mendoza is also making an impact off the field, a story that extends seamlessly from his athletic achievements.
Beyond his talent as a quarterback for Curt Cignetti’s team, Mendoza and his family have actively organized fundraising events to support research initiatives and community programs that assist families affected by multiple sclerosis.
Fernando Mendoza Touches the Lives of People Affected by Multiple Sclerosis
Using his platform as Indiana’s No. 1 quarterback, Mendoza, whose mother, Elsa, is battling multiple sclerosis, and his brother Alberto, are leading a fundraising drive for the National MS Society. It all began with a simple aim of raising $20,000 for future research that could lead to the discovery of a medicine to treat and cure the disorder.
Taking inspiration from their mother’s steel-willed strength despite suffering from the debilitating disease, the brothers launched the “Mendoza Burrito” campaign last year at La Burrita in Berkeley, California, in honor of Elsa Mendoza. The success of the drive helped Fernando and Alberto expand the initiative, reaching local restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana.
“We’re not victims, we’re attacking this,” Mendoza said in a press statement.
Donations continued to pour in, and the brothers raised the target to $50,000 and then $100,000. In a post by WISH-TV Sports Director Anthony Calhoun on X, the fundraising initiative has already raised $65,000.
Callhoun posted, “Good morning from NYC! We are with IU star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. His mother Elsa has been battling Multiple Sclerosis and he’s here teaming up with Adidas to provide shopping spree for four families that are impacted by MS. Fernando has already raised 65K for MS. 🙏🏾”
Before accepting the Heisman Trophy, the California transfer organized a shopping spree for four families affected by multiple sclerosis as part of his NIL deal with sports apparel conglomerate Adidas. The families received $10,000 each to purchase any Adidas products they chose, and the remaining money will be converted into gift cards, according to Herald-Times Indiana University athletics beat writer Michael Niziolek.
So touching 🥺 Elsa Mendoza’s heartfelt letter to her son Fernando about battling MS while watching his football dreams unfold. Pure love and resilience. @PolymarketBlitz @qb_fernando @PlayersTribunehttps://t.co/Cs0315XVsj#RuckAndAbide #GraceAndGrind #RuckWisdom https://t.co/zqmicOTRcp
— John15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches” (@RuckAndAbide) December 14, 2025
Prior to organizing the shopping spree for the families affected by MS, Mendoza signed a NIL deal with the sports apparel company before the Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State. He expressed his excitement about joining the Adidas family and thanked the people who supported him on his journey to become the best college football player in the nation.
Reflecting this enthusiasm, Mendoza said, “I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and excited to bring my passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the Three Stripes. Let’s get to work.”
MORE: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Named Heisman Trophy Winner
Hoosiers quarterback Mendoza faces a daunting challenge as he prepares for the quarterfinals. As the top-seeded team in the college football playoffs, Indiana earned the advantage of skipping the first round, giving Mendoza and his teammates extra time to prepare.
Building on their top-seed advantage, Indiana will now await the winner of the Oklahoma-Alabama first-round game. That game will be played on Friday, December 19, at 8 p.m. ET in Norman, Oklahoma. Once that result is determined, the Hoosiers’ quarterfinal appearance is scheduled for January 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.