BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The transformation of Indiana University from a basketball school into a football powerhouse didn’t happen overnight, but it was accelerated by one quarterback’s arrival. Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and a national championship, has left an indelible mark on this campus and community.
His impact goes beyond the field. A partnership with local restaurant BuffaLouie’s created the Mendoza Brothers Burger, featuring Swiss cheese, hot ham, grilled onions, pickles, and — controversially — mustard instead of ketchup. The burger raised money and awareness for multiple sclerosis research, a cause close to Mendoza’s heart as his mother lives with the disease.
“Now I only put mustard on my burgers thanks to Fernando,” said Ed Schwartzman, owner of BuffaLouie’s, who was initially skeptical about the condiment choice. The effort has raised nearly $400,000 through sales and other initiatives.
Mendoza’s influence extends to the entire community. Fans like Todd Handy, a lifelong Indiana supporter, now proudly wear crimson and cream everywhere. “He’s just a great representation for Indiana University, Bloomington and our whole county,” Handy said. “I think if you’re having a bad day and you get to hear Fernando Mendoza talk, it will turn it around.”
Sarah Dubbels recalled an event at Dick’s Sporting Goods where Mendoza spent extra time with a woman in a wheelchair named Janet, kneeling down to talk with her. “He’s kind, generous and classy,” she said. “Las Vegas is getting a good one.”
Women’s basketball star Shay Ciezki noted Mendoza’s work ethic. “He’s always watching film or trying to get on the field to put in extra reps,” she said. “It’s something I think everyone wants to try to mirror.”
Coach Teri Moran, who has been at Indiana for over a decade, said the football program’s success has changed the university’s national profile. “Indiana has been talked about nationally throughout this whole thing,” she said. “I have a feeling we’ll get more applicants than ever.”
Student journalist Dalton James of the Indiana Daily Student said covering the team has been a challenge because of the constant blowout wins. But Mendoza’s interviews are always entertaining. “He’s using words like ‘conglomerate’ and things like that in postgame interviews,” James said. “He’s such a good person to represent the school.”
The campus bookstore can’t keep Mendoza memorabilia in stock, and the Mendoza Brothers Cubano at Gables Bagels has also been a hit. Schwartzman says the quarterback’s generosity is unmatched. “He’s just so gracious,” he said.
Mendoza, who will likely be the No. 1 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL draft, leaves a legacy of kindness and community impact. As Handy put it, “I know I’d vote for him.”
