Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s mom, Elsa Mendoza, uses a wheelchair because she lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that has progressively affected her mobility over many years.

Who the question is about

  • The “Indiana QB” people are talking about is Fernando Mendoza , who plays quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers and has recently drawn national attention during the College Football Playoff and Heisman conversation.
  • His mother, Elsa Mendoza , has become a focal point in coverage and social media because of her visible presence in a wheelchair at games and celebrations.

Why his mom is in a wheelchair

  • Elsa Mendoza was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) roughly 18 years ago (around the late 2000s), a neurological condition that damages the central nervous system and can impair movement, balance, and strength.
  • Over time, her MS has progressed , limiting her ability to walk and making a wheelchair necessary for mobility, especially at stadiums and long events.

How her condition changed over time

  • Reports note that her health took a more serious downturn about five years ago, after she also battled COVID-19, which worsened her MS symptoms and contributed to her needing the wheelchair more consistently.
  • Despite these challenges, she continues to travel to big games, including championship and bowl appearances, to support Fernando and his younger brother Alberto, who is also on the team.

What multiple sclerosis means in her case

  • MS can cause muscle weakness, stiffness, spasms, and fatigue, making tasks like climbing stairs, moving through crowded stadiums, or even getting ready to go out significantly harder; the wheelchair helps her conserve energy and stay safe while still being present.
  • For Elsa, the wheelchair functions both as a symbol of the physical loss MS has brought and as a tool that lets her continue showing up at games and major milestones in her son’s career.

Why her story is trending now

  • Elsa’s story gained renewed attention after cameras showed Fernando sharing emotional moments with her in her wheelchair during the Hoosiers’ recent championship run and Heisman spotlight, with many fans asking online “why is Indiana QB mom in a wheelchair.”
  • Media pieces and fan discussions highlight her resilience and how her daily fight with MS is a major source of motivation and perspective for Fernando as he plays at the highest level of college football.

TL;DR: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza’s mom, Elsa, is in a wheelchair because she has long-term multiple sclerosis that has worsened over time, especially after COVID-19, affecting her ability to walk and requiring a wheelchair for mobility.

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