why is indiana quarterback mom in a wheelchair

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s mom, Elsa Mendoza, uses a wheelchair because she has multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system and progressively limits mobility.

Quick Scoop: The Core Reason

• Elsa Mendoza was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than a decade ago, and the condition has gradually worsened over time.

• MS can damage nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which often leads to muscle weakness, coordination problems, and difficulty walking; as a result, she now relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

• Despite this, she has continued to travel and support Fernando at major games, including Indiana’s big postseason matchups and his Heisman Trophy moment.

A Bit More Context

• Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong neurological condition; it does not have a cure, but treatments can slow progression and manage symptoms.

• Reports note that her condition became more difficult after she contracted COVID-19 in 2020, which further affected her health and mobility.

• Fernando and his brother Alberto, who is also a quarterback at Indiana, have been involved in raising money and awareness to fight MS in honor of their mom.

Why Fans Are Asking Now

• Interest in “why is Indiana quarterback mom in a wheelchair” spiked as Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to major bowl games and a national championship run, putting his family in the spotlight on national broadcasts.

• Emotional on-field moments—like Fernando embracing his mom in her wheelchair after big wins and talking publicly about her strength—have made their story widely shared and discussed online.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.