Fernando Mendoza's Mother Elsa Battles Multiple Sclerosis as Raiders Draft Pick Prepares for NFL Debut

Fernando Mendoza is poised to make history tonight as the Las Vegas Raiders' first-overall selection in the NFL Draft, marking a significant milestone in the 22-year-old's football journey.

Rather than experiencing the moment from the draft floor, Mendoza has chosen to celebrate surrounded by loved ones at a private gathering. The cameras will likely capture him and his family members, including his parents Elsa and Fernando Sr., as the announcement unfolds.

Those watching broadcasts have observed that Elsa uses a wheelchair, with Fernando Sr. consistently positioned beside her throughout important moments, including major game celebrations. Her mobility challenges stem from Multiple Sclerosis, a condition affecting the central nervous system that she received a diagnosis for roughly 18 years ago.

Mendoza has been vocal about the profound influence his mother has had on his mindset and work ethic. "At this point, she has a tough time moving around and stuff like that, but her happiness, her joy and her determination is what inspires me every single day and that's what pushes me," he explained in an interview with Hoosiers Connect. "You know, if I'm in a workout and I'm feeling tired, you know, a little thought in my mind goes, 'Maybe you should skip out on this set' or something like that, I'll be like, my mom is out here every single day putting a ton of work, a ton of dedication and still with a great attitude, a great positive attitude in everything she does."

Elsa has also opened up about her diagnosis and her son's response to it. Writing for The Players' Tribune, she reflected on keeping her condition private during his younger years: "I was diagnosed about 18 years ago, but of course you never knew that. You and Alberto were so young, and I was doing fine … and mostly I didn't want you to worry. It just felt like this impossible thing to place on you guys."

She credited Fernando with helping her navigate the emotional aspects of living with the disease, describing his approach as "so much easier" and accomplished "in the sweetest, strongest, most Fernando way possible — by making me feel the exact opposite of embarrassed….You've made me feel seen."

The Mendoza family has established a fundraising page for those interested in supporting Elsa's care and ongoing needs.