Lenten campaign 2026
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Fernando Mendoza was recently awarded the Heisman Trophy, which is given annually to the top player in college football. The Indiana University quarterback has had an amazing year, leading his team to an undefeated regular season and conference championships.
But after he was announced as the first-ever Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana University, he wasted no time in using the moment to share his faith and express his gratitude to God.
"I'm at a loss of words. Wow. I mean, thank you. Thank you to everybody. First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away. Standing here tonight, holding this bad boy, representing Indiana University. It still doesn't feel real," he said.
Mendoza then went on to credit the role his family, teammates, and coaches had to bring him to where he is today.
Later, in a press conference after the ceremony, Mendoza said that his Catholic faith "is a huge component" to his life and is "maybe the sole reason why I got here."
"All the bumps and bruises and the path that God has laid out for me, I wouldn’t want it any other way," said Mendoza.
Mendoza's high school career was derailed by the coronavirus pandemic and he only had one scholarship offer to play college football.
Despite these challenges, Mendoza seized the opportunities that he was given.
“Building that faith throughout college and now to be able to share my faith with these amazing teammates and just the community of faith, realizing having God on my side, always praising Jesus Christ, it’s incredible," said Mendoza.
"I can’t thank the man above enough.”
IU Newman Center celebrated Fernando Mendoza
Fr. Patrick Hyde, O.P., a Dominican friar and the pastor of the St. Paul Catholic Community, shared a sweet video of the Newman Center's reaction to the Heisman award ceremony. The St. Paul Catholic Community serves as the Newman Center and Catholic parish for Indiana University.
"When the guy you see every Sunday at Mass at your Newman Center wins the Heisman Trophy," wrote Fr. Hyde.
"Congratulations, Fernando!" wrote the priest.
Indiana University will play in the college football playoff quarterfinals on January 1, against the winner of Okaloma vs. Alabama.
