A Mother’s Day story

Fernando Mendoza, now Las Vegas Raiders quarterback

This is a touching Mother’s Day story which is worth sharing with you today as we remember all mothers, those living and those who passed away. Fernando Mendoza was the star in College football this past year, and after helping his team Indiana Hoosiers win the College Championship, he was also awarded the Heisman Trophy for the best football player. Earlier this year he was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders becoming their star quarterback. Being a devout Catholic, Fernando always speaks about his faith, but also about his family. In particular he gives tribute to his mother Elsa, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. Fernando wants everyone to partner with the Mendoza Family Fund, showing an enormous commitment to finding a cure for this disease that affects more than 1 million people in the U.S. 

Left to right: Alberto, Elsa, Fernando, Max and Fernando Mendoza Sr.

Elsa shared her own witness of her son Fernando’s touching care and concern for her in the open letter she wrote for the Player's Tribune in December: “Honestly: It will never be easy. ... But you’ve made it so much easier. When you have to carry me up the stairs ... you’ve never once looked away. You’ve never once treated me like I’m embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love. You’ve made it so much easier. And you’ve done that in the sweetest, strongest, most Fernando way possible — by making me feel the exact opposite of embarrassed.” While fans in the stadium would stand and cheer during big plays, Fernando’s father often remained seated during the 2025 football season. He later explained that he chose to stay seated next to his wife so he could remain at eye level with Elsa, ensuring she never felt alone or “left behind” in the celebration. Her son responds “People see my touchdown passes, but I see my mother’s strength. My mother is my light, my everything. ... She’s the most caring and positive person I know, and I’ll keep doing everything I can to support her. She’s been a great role model.” Happy Mother’s Day !