How mum inspired 'goofy' Mendoza to brink of NFL stardom

How mum inspired 'goofy' Mendoza to brink of NFL stardomImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Fernando Mendoza's family joined him on the field after Indiana won the national championshipByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished13 minutes agoCommentsFernando Mendoza had already shed a tear after being named the best player in college football.But as the Indiana quarterback gave his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, his voice really began to crack when he talked directly to his mother."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."Elsa Mendoza hasn't just been a devoted 'football mom'. After living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly 20 years, she is now a wheelchair user and the inspiration behind Fernando's rise from obscurity."You taught me that toughness doesn't need to be loud," he added. "It can be quiet and strong. It is believing in yourself when the world doesn't give you much reason to."Now the 'goofy' business graduate is the overwhelming favourite to be picked first in this year's NFL Draft and link up with his idol Tom Brady.From 2,149th to national championImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alberto Mendoza (right) was back-up quarterback to brother Fernando (left) last seasonHaving played tennis at the University of Miami, Elsa Mendoza encouraged her three sons to play sports and work hard academically.She urged her eldest Fernando to keep believing despite repeatedly being overlooked, beginning with his first team at nine years old, when he was initially fourth-choice quarterback.Coming out of high school, he was ranked 2,149th in the class of 2022 - and the 140th quarterback.He had to wait until late in the recruiting process to receive his only offer from a Power Five school - the top level of college football - but Elsa insisted it would come.In 202...