Fernando Mendoza had lots of people to thank as he accepted the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night — his parents, Indiana football teammates, coach Curt Cignetti .

He also took a moment to thank two of his grandparents who were in the crowd. All four of his grandparents were born in Cuba and emigrated to the United States.

"For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you a lot," he said in Spanish. "From all my heart, I thank you."

Mendoza attended Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, which has a heavy Latino and Hispanic population. His younger brother, Alberto, is also an IU quarterback.

Mendoza is the first player with Cuban heritage to win the Heisman. The parents of finalist and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia hail from Spain and Mexico. Among pre

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