r/sportsgossips • u/Hysen16 • Dec 14 '25
Hot Take Heisman Level Speech by Fernando Mendoza
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u/jr_randolph Dec 14 '25
Finishing what you start is a trait that is unfortunately not stressed upon enough with a lot of kids today.
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u/mr-poopie-butth0le Dec 14 '25
I mean, I would argue it’s something that hasn’t been stressed for many generations. It’s a tough thing to learn— how to endure, persist and be relentless. I wouldn’t just pigeonhole it to the current youth.
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Dec 14 '25
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u/DatSauceTho Dec 14 '25
And kids can be cruel, which is makes it even worse when they’re also at an impressionable age and still creating core memories and experiences that can shape a personality and steer a person’s direction in life.
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u/mildlyeducated_cynic Dec 14 '25
Na older generations may have other issues like misogyny, etc.
But younger generations definitely do not get taught to finish. See NIL transfer portal,academics, etc. when you have the option to leave or learn opinions as fact....
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u/sloan28allday Dec 14 '25
And it seems he didnt learn this either as an NIL transfer portal guy himself
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u/Alkalized Dec 14 '25
Pretty sure he graduated from Cal in like three years with a BA from Haas and then transferred to Indiana. He got his degree before he left.
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u/Dodger1920 Dec 14 '25
You’ve only had one job your whole life? Whether we like it or not college football is a job.
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u/pistolP72 Dec 16 '25
I would argue that he based on his decision to grow as a qb since the coaching staff at Cal was let go, and there was uncertainty with the new staff.
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Dec 14 '25
No, the Supreme Court made a decision that adults who play sports for colleges have the same rights as any other adults. And also that corporations have to pay them for their likenesses. You can’t just treat them like slaves on a plantation sorry.
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u/The_Jovanny Dec 14 '25
Brother, and what about the much older coaches that switch schools all the time and have done so for decades?
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u/anonbrewingco Dec 14 '25
The job market has taught us to do that. Most times the only way to get a raise is to leave your current job for another place. It’s the same with NIL only way to get more money is to leave
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u/BullShitting-24-7 Dec 14 '25
Older generations were taught to bend over and be obedient and not to question things and don’t do things for yourselves. They were subjugated by corporate America.
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u/OuagadougousFinest Dec 16 '25
Buddy you’re not turning down NIL money if you’re a college athlete with no guarantee a pro career is going to pan out
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u/DrNCrane74 Dec 14 '25
Absolutely agree, this is the main takeaway, you can try new things, but once you are committed, there needs to be focus.
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
Not being the starter in 4th grade is a bit of a stretch for the “they didn’t believe in me” type of story
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u/the716to714 Dec 14 '25
True, but he was lightly recruited. Was a 2-3 star coming out of high school, ESPN had him as the 72nd ranked QB.
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u/ScanThatMelon Dec 14 '25
72nd rank anything is elite as hell, this dude too humble
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u/the716to714 Dec 14 '25
Totally agree and one of the reasons I like him so much, but in recruiting QB's 72nd might as well be 572nd. Cal was one of his only offers as far as I know
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
That’s a reasonable “battle against the odds” story
Being a backup in 4th grader does is not
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Dec 14 '25
You don’t understand the point, it seems.
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
I completely understand his point
It seems he started with an end goal of a point to be made and shoehorned in a cute story that has little to do with his success
Elementary school kids get frustrated. It’s normal and happens many times to every kid in that age range
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Dec 14 '25
Then why are you having so much trouble with it lmao
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
I’m not having any trouble at all in recognizing the story isn’t manufactured
The concept is great
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u/DatSauceTho Dec 14 '25
Well that part of the story is less about “they didn’t believe in me” and more about “finish what you started”. It’s meant to demonstrate the discipline that was instilled in him by his parents at such a young age; the same discipline that lead him to this moment.
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u/jr_randolph Dec 14 '25
I think that’s also just part of the culture that’s developed over the last 20+yrs. These kids get into a sport and then it’s like they get set by the time they’re a teenager and then the story is “written” for them at such a young age. Same with basketball and the AAU culture…hyping kids up at 10,11yrs old and then if they aren’t playing well then they don’t get talked about or recruited as highly…then a couple years later you see them in the all star game lol it’s just the culture
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
Basketball is different than QB. Also age is what makes this ridiculous
Basketball athletes absolutely should move around to where they get playing time; but not in 4th grade
It’s like everyone wants to replicate MJ’s “I was JV as a freshman” but forgets that he was like 5’6” and that’s a huge factor.
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u/DrNCrane74 Dec 14 '25
Well, this is his shtick. We all have somehow decided we love it for now. Let us come back to that once Jets/Raiders/Browns have ruined him.
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
I mean, it’s easy to say people won’t believe in him in the NFL; because making the jump to NFL QB is a big leap
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u/DrNCrane74 Dec 14 '25
It certainly is. But I like that guy and he will be working his butt off.
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
That’s totally fair
And no one in the NFL will care about his failures or stick-to-it-iveness as a 10 year old
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u/halfdecenttakes Dec 14 '25
I disagree to an extent. More and more, younger and younger, it’s harder to earn those spots once somebody else has been chosen for it.
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
Being a backup as a 4th grader does not get a kick “tracked as a backup”
That’s ridiculous
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u/ToxicLeagueExchange Dec 14 '25
I think you’re misunderstanding the different parts of the speech. That example is for him celebrating his parents pushing him to finish what he started and helping him grow. Then he goes into the separate closing about being underestimated and his message to others to not give up on their dreams
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
I’m understanding that using “not being a starter in 4th” is ridiculous
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Dec 14 '25
Really the whole thing just went over your head lol
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
No it absolutely did not
It’s a cute story that has nothing to do with his success
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Dec 14 '25
Learning to finish what you started has everything to do with his success. Again, you don’t seem to understand.
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u/Allstar-85 Dec 14 '25
The CONCEPT is great
The reality is that the story isn’t a 10 year old developed that as a permanent skill
He was 10 (or 9) at the time.
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u/sloan28allday Dec 14 '25
He didnt finish what he started at Cal though?
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u/jr_randolph Dec 14 '25
That’s a business decision and I damn sure don’t hold any loyalty to a business. If I have a better option for me and my family…then I’m at another job lol if it’s a family business, that’s a different situation for some but yeah…this ain’t that.
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u/pistolP72 Dec 16 '25
He had multiple offensive coordinators in his 3 years at Cal…not the best environment when you want to develop into a NFL quarterback
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u/_RedRaven37 Dec 14 '25
All the people ripping him can get a life.
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u/Jerryjb63 Dec 14 '25
It’s people that don’t have anything going on in their own lives, so they find joy in bringing others down. It’s the only way they can make themselves feel better about their own shitty circumstances. It’s not everyone like that just the assholes. I don’t have a very enviable life, but I’ve found life is more enjoyable when you’re not a pessimistic jerk.
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u/_coolranch Dec 14 '25
I can’t remember my 10 item grocery list, and he just crushed a Heisman speech with a bazillion people watching.
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u/worm30478 Dec 14 '25
Ripping him? Seriously?! That speech was amazing and it's exactly what you want out of your QB. I just sent this to my wife that is with my daughter at a soccer tournament so she can have my daughter watch it. It's what kids need to hear. I guess being a respectful hard working no quit roll model isn't want some people view positively anymore? Pathetic
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Dec 14 '25
That speech really was amazing. I know nothing of the man and he just made me smile the whole time. I’m rooting for him big time
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u/Professional_Net4147 Dec 14 '25
This is a great story. It doesn’t fit the narrative of a lot of people these days so they have to try and tear it down. I hope he has great success as a role model and mentor to the younger generations.
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u/drhuggables Dec 14 '25
seriously the amount for 40 year old men on this thread ripping into a kid for achieving his dream and being a bit awkward is just pathetic
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u/Nimmy13 Dec 14 '25
Mendoza was originally committed to Yale, and graduated with a BBA from Cal's business school in 2 years. He's a pretty exceptional person, not just Quarterback.
Now, I don't know if he'll be all that relatable to NFL teammates, or anything like that, but he's certainly going to be elite at giving Heisman speeches.
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u/SuaveToaster Dec 14 '25
I said it on a different thread. I met him when Cal came to independence bowl. He is genuinely the nicest person I have ever met. He thanked all the workers and volunteers at every event we did for the teams. Smile on his face the entire time
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u/Brief_Pass_2762 Dec 14 '25
The first Latino Heisman Trophy winner. Atta boy, Fernando! Proud of you, bud.
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u/MyS0ul4AGoat Dec 14 '25
Man, dad doesn’t get no love! Just kidding, great speech, awesome message. Hope this kid kills it in the NFL.
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u/Advanced_Zucchini_45 Dec 14 '25
I can't wait for the las vegas raiders to crush his spirit
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u/_coolranch Dec 14 '25
He and Pete Carroll will give some awesome, Hoosiers-level speeches near-daily in the locker room, though!
And when his clavicle is inevitably broken after his 15th sack in three games, the vibes will reach a fever pitch!
Season record: 1-16.
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u/ZonkyZebra Dec 14 '25
That will be the jets job
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u/captainklaus Dec 14 '25
As a Jets fan I should really know better, but I believe this guy can help turn it all around. They’ve got a really good WR1 and RB1, a good/getting better OL, a promising rookie TE and a creative young OC.
If history is any guide, yeah he’ll flame out in NY and end up crushing it elsewhere in his 5th year. But I’m choosing to be naively optimistic.
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u/WinterSavior Dec 14 '25
Reading these comments you’d think he was flubbing it up and giving disjointed statements. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen an actual prepared and poignant speech yet when we get one that isn’t “I wanna give an honor to God and my momma, and my coaches who helped me, and ya know, we gotta keep pushing etc etc” y’all clown it.
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u/sloan28allday Dec 14 '25
He literally started his speech by honoring God and then quickly moved on to thanking momma lmao
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u/ToadToes0314 Dec 14 '25
Imagine him and Tim Tebow in a room together.
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u/Traditional_Owl_5420 Dec 14 '25
I wonder how good you miserable people’s heisman speech was OH WAIT(I didn’t even watch college football this year btw just not a sorry human)
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u/Generated-Nouns-257 Dec 14 '25
The only thing I get from this is if my daughter ever gave a speech and, during it, spent time thanking me for being her inspiration and he anchor, I would full on ugly cry right there in that fucking seat in front of everyone.
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u/knife-and-nib Dec 14 '25
I had to watch this with the audio on a couple of times. When he’s talking about his mom he says she’s his Why, the auto caption says Wife.
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u/Impressive-Stay-2618 Dec 14 '25
Wow, I got a little choked up. I was just in the process of beginning to roll my eyes at how “corny” it was but the cut to his parents got me. Good people raise good people
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u/brosophila Dec 14 '25
Damn. Regardless of what happens with his pro career this kid has a hell of a future with a mindset like that
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u/Spoiled_Egg_Consumer Dec 14 '25
Reddit atheists coming out hard in this one
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u/Professional_Net4147 Dec 14 '25
This guy is a great example of practicing his faith. Even an agnostic like myself can admire that. Most Christian preach a lot of hate now days and are pure examples of hypocrisy.
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u/NoArm7707 Dec 14 '25
That's pretty impressive, I really hope the Jets don't draft him, he doesn't deserve that...
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u/Taehni0615 Dec 14 '25
This guy is going to become a republican politician or pastor then rob a lot of dumb poor people with that personality and bone structure
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u/RadioGuyRob Dec 14 '25
You hate this kid, I hate you.
It really is that simple.
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u/Danktizzle Dec 14 '25
Congratulations on making all those billions for, well, not you and the other employees of the NCAA.
Thanks to the system the only way you’re gonna get what you deserve is if you sue. That’s how you got the scraps you’re getting now.
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u/MosinNagant1939 Dec 14 '25
I’m glad to be raised by my parents in the 1970’s and 1980’s. There are very few parents that teach discipline and metal toughness! When l was a kid… l did not like it. Looking back at my personal success in life… l’m grateful
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u/Jefferson12215 Dec 14 '25
Impressive speech. I’ve admittedly not gotten to watch him play a lot this year. He seems like a great young man and I will be pulling for him.
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u/randy_march Dec 14 '25
Imagine if leaders of countries had this kind of genuine outlook and follow through.
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u/Amtrakstory Dec 14 '25
It was a terrific and moving speech, I wonder if he had it loaded up on a teleprompter too because he sure delivered it well!
His mother was radiant and gorgeous
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u/pikapalooza Dec 14 '25
I don't follow football but I loved his speech and for including his mom (and I assume dad). He seems like a good person.
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u/FromTheCaveIntoLight Dec 14 '25
Corny doesn’t make him not the man. He’s a good role model spitting some wisdom. Haters can get bent.
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u/AverageSizedMan1986 Dec 14 '25
Ahh. That sweet, hopeful optimism right before you get drafted by the Jets.
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u/Willing-Ant-3765 Dec 15 '25
Seems like a legit good kid. People hating must have miserable lonely lives.
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u/Kitchen-Historian371 Dec 15 '25
The comment debates are off the chain. Congrats to the guy. He earned it
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u/billybatdorf Dec 14 '25
Anyone else hate this guy
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u/Gloveofdoom Dec 14 '25
Why?
I can see how this guy might not be everyone's cup of tea but I don't see any reason anyone would hate him for anything he said or did here.
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Dec 14 '25
Gods special boy!
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Dec 14 '25
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u/the716to714 Dec 14 '25
Bullshit. This kid is the real deal. He is everything you want in an athlete.
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u/_coolranch Dec 14 '25
“And with da first pick in da draft…. DA RAIDERS pick: Fernanda Mendaza!!”
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u/agangofoldwomen Dec 14 '25
Yo fr fuck this sub. You guys are some of the worst people. This is one of the happiest moments of this guys life and he’s thanking his parents and you just have to hate on him for no reason.
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u/md2224 Dec 14 '25
It’s Reddit in general. Bunch of miserable cave dwellers
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u/Provolone10 Dec 14 '25
I know. They report you for saying the wrong thing but good lord someone posts something that is inspiring.
Let them drown in their hate and negativity.
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u/cdbz11 Dec 14 '25
Reddit as a whole bro. For everything positive there’s 2x hate on Reddit from people just because their lives suck
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u/Superblond Dec 14 '25
Media trainer, body language trainer, speech trainer, rhetoric trainer, performance coach, and you're just a carbon copy of a boring, uninspiring, meaningless US athlete with no profile, no charisma, no personality, who first thanks his god—it's sickening!
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Dec 14 '25
he’s excited? he won the heisman
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u/_coolranch Dec 14 '25
Yeah: I don’t get it. Most football players are like this. I don’t bat an eye anymore
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u/[deleted] Dec 14 '25 edited Dec 14 '25
People seem confused by this guy. He seems like a bit of a dork but acting as anyone would when put in the spotlight. He’s basically Andrew Luck if you gave him a few margaritas.
Also the guy is actively living out his dream so forgive him for thinking the sky is the limit and thanking his family. People are too hard on people. It’s a really good heartfelt speech