Mendoza’s mom, Elsa Mendoza, has multiple sclerosis (MS) , a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and has led to her using a wheelchair in recent years.

Who is “Mendoza” and his mom?

  • The “Mendoza” people are talking about in sports and forums is Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a recent Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Playoff star.
  • His mother, Elsa Mendoza, is frequently mentioned in features and broadcasts because her health battle is a major part of his public story and motivation.

What illness does Mendoza’s mom have?

  • Elsa Mendoza lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, interrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
  • Because of MS-related damage, she now relies on a wheelchair for mobility, including when traveling to watch her son’s games and award ceremonies.

How long has she had MS?

  • Reports note that Elsa was diagnosed with MS around 18 years ago, long before her son’s current college football stardom.
  • Her condition reportedly worsened in the mid‑2010s and again after she had COVID‑19, which increased her mobility challenges.

Why is this such a big talking point now?

  • As Mendoza has risen to national prominence in the College Football Playoff and Heisman race, media pieces and fan discussions have focused on his close bond with his mom and how her fight with MS shaped his toughness and outlook.
  • He and his brother have also used their platform to raise money and awareness for MS organizations, which keeps the question “what illness does Mendoza’s mom have” trending in news and forums.

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