Former Indiana Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza was named the Manning Award winner on Friday and accepted the award while meeting with the media on Zoom.
“I first want to give all the glory and all the thanks to God.” Mendoza said. “Like Mr. (Archie) Manning said, I was able to meet and interact with the Manning family two years back in Thibodaux (Louisiana). It was hot, it was swampy, but that was one of the greatest experience of my life, because I got to interact Mr. Manning, Peyton, Eli, Cooper and the entire Manning family, being a young quarterback and always firing with another brother, the quarterback younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, aspire to be like the Manning brothers, to actually interact with the entire Manning family, see their true colors, see all the true values and traditions that the Manning family uphold and represents in the football sphere. Is everything that I strive and want to be one day.”
According to the Sugar Bowl “The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes the candidates’ bowl and playoff performances into consideration in its balloting.”
Archie Manning, who also joined the call, said there was no doubt the award was going to Mendoza and his postseason performance really set him apart from other finalists.
“I’d like to tell you that this was close, but it wasn’t. Fernando has had one of the great seasons that any collegiate quarterback is ever had.” Manning said.
Mendoza had a spectacular postseason run. He completed 89-122 passes (73%) for 1,208 yards with nine touchdowns and just one interception. He threw eight touchdowns and no interceptions in his three College Football Playoff games.
Mendoza did admit that winning the Heisman Trophy after the Big Ten Championship Game took some of the edge off of him heading into the CFP.
“I think it was just a great moment that brought us closer together. But to be blunt with you, it did take a little bit of the edge off.” Mendoza said of winning the Heisman.
What’s Next For Mendoza?
Mendoza has become legendary for his preparation and the next step of his football journey is getting ready for the NFL Draft this spring. Mendoza said that he would attend the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and IU’s Pro Day to show off his skills for NFL Scouts.