What Indiana University Quarterback Fernando Mendoza reveals about true success.
Two years ago, Beth and I anxiously dropped off our oldest son, Jack, for his first year of college.
The school Jack chose- Indiana University- is renowned for its strong business schools, a gorgeous campus, and a long heritage of winning basketball. What it was not known for, however, was its football program. So, it’s fair to say our astonishment is real that the most losing program in college football history is chasing its first-ever national championship just 18 months later.
And as unlikely as that story is, the story of their quarterback makes it even more remarkable. Let me explain.
In a culture that endlessly celebrates celebrities for their flash, bravado, and outrageous actions, we’ve grown accustomed to mistaking noise for significance. We are quick to elevate athletes, entertainers and public figures not for the substance of who they are, but for how loudly they promote themselves.
And then there’s Fernando Mendoza.
A young man who does not fit the mold so often celebrated by media and sports culture. He doesn’t lead with ego, speak for recognition, or seek the spotlight. He confidently shares his faith, celebrates his family and exudes joy. He speaks about gratitude and responsibility far more than greatness and recognition. And he doesn’t measure success by his headlines, highlights or even his Heisman trophy.
Instead, Fernando leads by putting others first.
In a particularly moving speech while accepting the Heisman trophy several weeks ago, Fernando thanked his hero, his mom, for her example. Battling Multiple Sclerosis, she sat in her wheelchair, wiping tears, as he went onto to share, “You taught me toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.”
Let me share that again, “Toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope and believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.”
My friends, that’s powerful.
Tonight, millions may tune in to see whether Indiana can do the impossible and beat Miami for the National Championship. Most will watch for the score or the spectacle or the history.
I’ll be watching for something else.
I’ll be watching a young man remind us that the greatest victories aren’t always the ones on the scoreboard. They’re the ones quietly modeled in how we love our families, how we serve our teammates, how we honor our faith, and how we use our platform to elevate others.
Win or lose tonight, Fernando Mendoza has already accomplished something far rarer than a championship. He’s shown us what real masculinity and success look like.
And in a world starving for examples of selflessness, integrity, and quiet courage, that may be the most important victory of all.
Today is your day. Live inspired.
34 replies on “The Power of Quiet Strength”
Hello John….
We saw your movie and were so inspired and have recommended it to many family and friends. I look forward to your emails and gain much encouragement for the caregiving responsibilities I have for my husband who suffered a debilitating stroke 5 years ago. Thank you so much and may our God continue to bless you and your family and in your work. 🙏
Thanks so VERY much John, for this feature column about Fernando 🙂 I watched that fabulous game last night, knowing what a special person Fernando i, due to your intimate reflections:)
Fernado is a true inspiration, thank you for sharing.
Great inspirational message. Please keep them coming. I need this America needs this.
Very Good
Thanks this was awesome
Spot on John,
Wow! Just read this after watching Fernando lead the team to a championship! However, Fernando is a champion because he is a believer in Christ and isn’t afraid to give all glory to God!
I’m looking forward to seeing where the young man goes in life!!!
Dee
I am inspired but my story I cannot tell. I would love to enjoy the motivations.
Such a beautiful motivation Monday ! Thank you and I look forward to theses!! I can’t wait to read your book I just order it
What a great article. John, you have such a great gift. You look at things way differently. What you said here is powerful and so insightful. I wish that people would look at Fernando MendozaI for the young man that he really is. Great football player, great leader, but most of all truly a man of God.
I met you about 20 years ago at a Vistage meeting in Nashville. I can honestly say that you impacted my life and changed my perspective of what success really is. That day that I met you, you became my hero. You look at everything thru a way different lens than most. Meeting you changed me personally in how people should be looked at people from a personal and business perspective. You shine with empathy and grace.
There are tons of stories about Fernando Mendoza out there but I will bet you that if he read your piece that this one would be his favorite. It certainly is mine!!
This is so well written! He is a great man! I think I also read that he read about all the other winners in the room so that he could know their story and know them! Thanks for all you do John!
Beautifully inspirational. Quiet strength. Alive Hope. Do my best. To learn from a young man with an apparently old soul brings gratitude.
John,
I couldn’t agree more with your commentary. Fernando is a true life hero in the things that matter most! Of course I hope Indiana wins tonight as a reward for all the hard work and dedication the team has invested in, but they have already one the real race with Fernando as their example!
Thanks for all you do, John!
Blessings,
Nile
Spot on. As always.
Great story leading up to the big game. Fernando Mendoza is an example of both humility and strength. It’s awesome your son Jack was able to witness that firsthand.
I’ll be rooting for the Hoosiers tonight since many of my cousins live in Indiana or have attended I.U. I already know Fernando will be praising his heavenly Father whether they win or lose.
Can I get an amen? It is great to see young people like him who can truly serve as mentors/heroes to our youth.
Love this kid! His first response to every post-game interview is to give glory to God. He truly embodies what it means to be a Christ follower and to believe that everything we have is from God, whether it is talent, finances, or career success, we are just borrowing it for a time. Thanks for highlighting Fernando today John and Go Hoosiers!
Your life story and this first blog (for me) have been amazingly inspiring. Life seems so bleak at times I played footbal through high school and it taught me to always give 100% and neve ever quit. I don’t know where I would be without that mantra. I trust in God that he has my back after a terrible Motorcycle accident and stage 4 cancer, and my business tanking, I have found a closer relationship with Jesus and am looking forward to what is next. Thank you for your story John!
Thanks’ again John, for sharing your life’s stories- experiences of yourself and other’s that provide us with the real reason’s why God created us to take care of this beautiful world. Pure love is unstoppable!
Go Hoosiers!!’
This is powerful and I will share with my sons who are 20 and 22.
Great story, as your story was an inspiritional one as you spoke to our company last week..(oreilly auto parts) just recently bought yiur book and cant wait to get it and read it. Sir you are an inspiration
Your Inspires are all good….this simple background of an outstanding athlete is the best thing I’ve read in a very long time. Thank you. Go Indiana
Very inspirational.
Absolutely awesome. Helps renew my faith in the younger generations and serves as an inspiration for all of us.
I needed this today. I left a flashy executive job to become a life and business coach to help people build lives of joy and business that thrive and their people thrive I get almost no recognition now and it’s far harder than the big job at the giant energy company. Most days it definitely feels like no one believes in me or sees what I do. I know there’s no national recognition coming for me, but this inspired me to keep going on the path God has set before me.
This is very inspiring. Faith has gotten my son through one of the toughest times in his life. He too is in his freshman year of college. God is good!
Hoo hoo hoo Hoosiers!
Says this die hard BAMA fan!
Yes, what an amazing young man so deserving of the “Heisman” and yet so humble of his/teams success! Can’t wait to watch the game tonite! This team- his team- destined for greatness since the beginning of the season! Hard for me to say this, being a diehard Illinois fan, but go Hoosiers! Thanks for sharing John. Good luck Jack!
This young man has elevated Faith, Family, and Service above self. Refreshing and needed in these days. His quiet confidence is visable in his play and his celebrations. I will be watching him tonight and for years to come. God is using him greatly!
Beautifully timed and worded message, John.
Love this! Cant wait to hear your interview with Mendoza soon! Very powerful testimony this young man has.
Beautiful sentiment. My dad went to IU. I dont usually watch sports on tv. But tonight I will, rooting for IU.