Fernando Mendoza’s parents, Elsa and Fernando Mendoza Sr., have witnessed a lot of football history recently thanks to their favorite quarterback. Fernando’s name is expected to be called shortly after the Las Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock with the No. 1 pick.
Yet, Fernando and his family are not attending the NFL draft in Pittsburgh. Instead, Fernando will be watching the draft at home with his mom, Elsa, dad, Fernando Sr., and close family members.
Fernando revealed that his parents preferred to skip attending the draft in favor of a family affair. The star quarterback pointed to his expected trip to Las Vegas on Friday, April 24, as one of several factors when making the decision.
Additionally, Fernando did not want to limit the family members who could attend the NFL draft.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity, and it’s a great venue,” Fernando explained during an April 20, interview on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “I’m really excited to see all the guys, or most of the guys, walk across the stage on Thursday night. It will be a dream for a lot of guys.
“However, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It’s a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation. And you have to hop on a plane the next morning anyways. And for that travel, it’d be a lot easier to stay at home. I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey.”
Here’s what you need to know about the Mendoza family.
Fernando Mendoza Draws Inspiration From His Mom Elsa’s Battle With MS
Fernando’s mom, Elsa, has become an inspiration to football fans who became familiar with her story during Indiana’s national championship run. Elsa bravely battles multiple sclerosis, modeling perseverance for the star quarterback.
“Resilience comes from my mom,” Fernando told Eisen. “My mom struggles with multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, and I see her fighting every single day and with a smile on her face.
“So there’s no excuse for me to have a bad day, bad play or bad game. I’m always trying to have an optimistic approach, give the best, serve the best I can to my teammates.”
Fernando Mendoza Comes From a Proud Cuban-American Family
Part of Fernando’s story also includes being proud of his Cuban heritage. Fernando made history as one of just three Hispanic players who have won the Heisman Trophy. The quarterback was born in Miami, but his grandparents are originally from Cuba.
“I would say the meaning, it means so much to myself and my family, having grown up in Miami, having grown up a University of Miami fan, and basically the whole identity being a Cuban living in Miami,” Fernando noted in a January 17, media session.
“Whose grandparents, all four grandparents immigrated from Cuba to Miami, made their way, had the American dream, and I’ve been so thankful to them and thankful to God that I’ve been able to have a good childhood and them raising me by accomplishing the American dream.”
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