Fernando Mendoza's mother, Elsa, is battling multiple sclerosis and is a significant figure as her son is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.
Key points
Elsa Mendoza is the mother of Fernando Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza is likely to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.
Fernando Mendoza's lone season at Indiana played out like something out of a movie. From a Heisman Trophy win to a national championship, the former California quarterback seemingly had everything go his way in Hoosier crimson.
That journey could not have been possible without strong support from his family. Mendoza leaned on his father, brother and grandmother throughout Indiana's run to the title, but it was his mom who seemed to have the greatest impact on him.
Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Elsa Mendoza was at the Heisman ceremony, the national championship game and more to see her son achieve his dreams. With the NFL now calling, don't expect that to change.
Here's what you need to know about Mendoza's mother and the disease she is battling.
Mendoza's mom, Elsa, played tennis at the University of Miami and earned two degrees during her time in Coral Gables. She has been a constant presence at the games of her sons Fernando and Alberto from their youth and high school days into the college ranks.
Q&A
What disease does Fernando Mendoza's mom have?
Fernando Mendoza's mom, Elsa, has multiple sclerosis.
Why is Elsa Mendoza in a wheelchair?
Elsa Mendoza is in a wheelchair due to the effects of multiple sclerosis.
When was Elsa Mendoza diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
The article does not specify the exact date when Elsa Mendoza was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
How old is Elsa Mendoza?
The article does not provide information about Elsa Mendoza's age.
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Elsa wrote in a Players' Tribune article that she taught her son to throw a football, though she joked that she didn't actually intend to. "My dream was for you to play tennis like I did. And at UM there was this drill they’d run us through, where we’d practice throwing a ball across the net, to work on our serve," she said. As it turns out, throwing came naturally to the Mendoza boys.
Aside from regularly embracing her after his games, Mendoza best displayed his adoration for his mom during his Heisman speech in December.
"Your sacrifices, courage and love, those have been my first playbook and the playbook I’m going to carry by my side throughout my entire life," an emotional Mendoza said. "You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong."
Elsa has battled multiple sclerosis since 2007. While the autoimmune disease typically isn't immediately debilitating and patients can still live long and often normal lives, it is not curable and has limited Elsa to a wheelchair in public appearances.
Elsa said in a Players' Tribune article that she hid her diagnosis from her young sons until it became impossible. "I kept doing fine until about 10 years ago, when we went skiing and I broke my ankle and knee," she said in 2025. Elsa had trouble healing properly and suffered another setback when she contracted COVID-19.
Still, she makes frequent appearances in support of her sons.
Here's more to know about multiple sclerosis.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves the breakdown of the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, according to the Mayo Clinic. The breakdown disrupts communication between the brain and the body, resulting in permanent damage, and the disease is progressive.
Symptoms can vary depending on the person, but they include weakness, trouble walking, tingling, numbness, vision loss, dizziness and fatigue. There is no confirmed cause for MS, but onset typically occurs between ages 20 and 40.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatment is aimed at slowing progression and helping patients manage symptoms. While the condition is progressive, symptoms can flare up and then dissipate for a period of time. Due to advancements in medicine, many MS patients can now life a normal lifespan, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Multiple sclerosis can weaken muscles and cause balance issues. While it isn't clear what Elsa's exact symptoms are, she revealed in 2025 that she started walking with a limp after struggling to recover from ankle and knee injuries suffered in a skiing accident some time around 2017.
When was Elsa Mendoza diagnosed with MS?
Elsa was diagnosed with MS in or close to 2007, as she said in a 2025 Players' Tribune article that she had lived with the disease for 18 years.
Elsa explained that she initially continued to live life as normal after her diagnosis but eventually got to the point that she could no longer hide it from her sons.
How old is Elsa Mendoza?
Elsa's exact age isn't clear, but she has said she moved to Boston at the age of 25 and got pregnant shortly after. Fernando is her oldest child and was born in late 2003, so Elsa may have turned 25 in 2002.
