Fernando Mendoza had powerful closing message after winning Heisman Trophy

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza had some impactful parting words as he stood up on the podium to receive his Heisman Trophy.

Mendoza on Saturday etched his name in college football history by becoming the 78th Heisman Trophy winner and the first one to come out of the Indiana program. The eloquent Cuban-American QB capped off his acceptance speech with a message to the young kids watching the ceremony from home.

“I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know— I was you,” Mendoza said.

“I was that kid, too. I was in your shoes. The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype, or rankings. You just need discipline, heart, and people who believe in you. I hope this moment shows you chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem.”