Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza gave a heartfelt tribute to his mom, Elsa, while giving his acceptance speech after earning the prestigious award.

“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” Mendoza said through tears while dedicating the esteemed honor to Elsa at the award ceremony on Saturday, December 13, in New York City. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my ‘why,’ you’re my biggest supporter.”

After he was announced as the winner, Mendoza went through his checklist of people to thank. When he got to his mom, he immediately began to get emotional.

“Your sacrifices, courage, love, those have been my first playbook and that playbook that I’m going to carry by my side for my entire life,” he continued. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need t

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