Grounded in faith, Hoosiers’ quarterback Fernando Mendoza makes the play of a lifetime for a team of a lifetime

By John Shaughnessy

For fans of the football team of Indiana University, it will be remembered as the play of a lifetime for a team of a lifetime.

The Hoosiers’ quarterback Fernando Mendoza made the memorable play in the fourth quarter of the national championship game against the team from the University of Miami on Jan. 19.

Clinging to a 17-14 lead with nine minutes and 18 seconds left in the game, Indiana faced a fourth down with four yards to go for a first down at Miami’s 12-yard line when Mendoza took the snap.

Twelve yards later, Mendoza dove across the goal line after eluding and bouncing off several Miami players to score the touchdown that was instrumental in Indiana’s eventual 27-21 victory, which earned the university its first national championship in college football.

In an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the game, Mendoza described his put-everything-out-there approach on that touchdown play.

“We’re always going to put it all on the line. I want to give all the glory and thanks to God,” he said. “The offensive line blocked perfectly, and we executed as a team.”

He continued, “I would die for my team. Whatever they need me to do. They need me to take shots, the front or the back, whatever it is, I’m going to die for my team out there. And I know they’re going to do the same for me. That’s what makes us so close. That’s what makes us national champs and so special.”

Near the end of the interview, he became even more emotional. Tears filled his eyes.

“This victory is so sweet,” Mendoza said. “For everybody, for the entire Hoosier nation, but also this is super sweet to myself. … I can’t thank Coach [Curt] Cignetti enough for taking a chance on me.”

He finished the interview by saying, “And give all the glory to God.”

His comments after the game once again showed his dedication to his teammates and his commitment to always giving “all the glory and thanks to God.”

That’s the way he began nearly every post-game interview this season, including when he received the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football. On that evening in December, Mendoza began his acceptance speech by saying, “First, I want to thank God for giving me an opportunity that once felt a world away.”

That public expression of his gratitude to God also matches his private embrace of his Catholic faith as he regularly attends Mass at St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington, on the edge of the IU campus.

Television cameras also captured another defining emotional moment following Mendoza’s diving touchdown, as his father turned in overflowing joy toward Mendoza’s mom, who has endured Multiple Sclerosis for years.

The scene recalled the emotion that poured from Mendoza about his parents during his Heisman speech.

“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” he said. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my why and biggest supporter. Courage, love—those have been my first playbook and the playbook that I carry at my side through my entire life. You tell me toughness doesn’t need to be loud, it can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are defying what people think is possible. I love you.

“Papi, thank you for grounding me. Thank you for holding me accountable when it was tough. Thank you for reminding me that talent means nothing without discipline, without consistency. …You personified commitment. You picked all of us up whenever we needed it most.”

Mendoza did the same for the fans of IU’s football team during the national championship game, giving them the play of a lifetime for a team of a lifetime. †