Fernando Mendoza's family has been a constant source of support throughout his illustrious career. The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft after an impressive 2025 season, where he completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, helping the Hoosiers achieve a 16-0 record and their first national championship.
Mendoza's mother, Elsa, has been a pillar of strength despite facing her own challenges. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, she uses a wheelchair and has been open about her struggles in a letter to The Players' Tribune.
Fernando's father, Dr. Fernando Mendoza Sr., is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director at Nicklaus Children's Health System in Miami. He is also a competitive rower who won gold at the 1987 Junior World Championships and rowed at Brown University.
Mendoza has two younger brothers, Alberto and Max. Alberto played as backup quarterback at Indiana in 2025 before transferring to Georgia Tech, while Max is based in Miami.
