The newly crowned winner of the 2025 Heisman Trophy, Fernando Mendoza, has captivated not only college football but also the hearts of thousands of Latinos by emotionally recalling his Cuban grandparents during his acceptance speech.
In a segment shared on Instagram by the account @ouresquina, which has garnered over 100,000 reactions, the quarterback of Indiana University spoke about the profound impact that Hispanic culture and his family have had on his life.
"My heritage is Cuban-American. I was born in the United States, but all four of my grandparents were born and raised in Cuba. They emigrated in search of the American dream and sacrificed so much for my family…" the young athlete expressed, alternating between English and Spanish.
During the speech, Mendoza recalled how his grandparents inspired him to maintain discipline, effort, and pride in his roots. “They took my brother and me to Cuba when we were in high school, so we could see where we come from. That’s when I understood how much all of that meant to them,” he confessed.
The player's words, partly spoken in Spanish, moved thousands of users, who highlighted the humility and pride with which the athlete honors his roots. “I thought saying something in Spanish would mean a lot to them. I wanted to show them the impact they have had on me and also represent the entire Hispanic community,” he added.
At just 22 years old, Mendoza has made history by becoming the first Cuban-American and the first player from Indiana to win the Heisman Trophy since 1935, following a perfect season with the Hoosiers.
Grandson of three people from Havana and one from Santiago, his story represents an entire generation of young people with Cuban roots who succeed in the United States without forgetting where they come from.
Beyond the field, Fernando Mendoza has become a symbol of Latino pride, a young man who carries in his heart the legacy of Cuba… and in his hands, the most prestigious trophy in college football.
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