Indiana's Fernando Mendoza goes viral for post game interview

Jeff Hauser

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Indiana's Fernando Mendoza goes viral for post game interview image

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was still buzzing as the confetti fell at Hard Rock Stadium. His raw postgame interview quickly became one of the defining moments of the Hoosiers’ national championship celebration.

While being interviewed by Holly Rowe on ESPN, the Heisman Trophy winner delivered an unfiltered response when asked about a key fourth down touchdown run late in the game.

“I had to go airborne. I was diving. I would die for my team,” Mendoza said. “Whatever they need me to do. If they need me to take shots from the front or the back. Whatever it is, I’m going to die for my team out there.”

The quote instantly went viral, spreading across social media as an example of Indiana’s fearless mindset under coach Curt Cignetti.

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Rowe’s question referenced a fourth quarter, fourth down play in which Mendoza was spun around before diving into the end zone for a 12-yard rushing touchdown. After calling timeout with a three-point lead, Cignetti kept the offense on the field. It was  a gamble that paid off and stretched the advantage to 10 points with just over nine minutes left.

“That’s why he won the Heisman Trophy,” Chris Fowler said on the broadcast, with Kirk Herbstreit praising the aggressive call.

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The moment capped a historic night, as Indiana finished 16-0 and claimed the first national championship in program history.

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