How Fernando Mendoza Feels About Dating While Playing College Football

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Fernando Mendoza isn’t interested in fumbling his list of goals.  

He’s focused on football, not dating. A recent interview with the Indiana University quarterback, where he said he’s prioritizing his sport over relationships, is getting attention online. This comes just days after he led his team to a championship win against the Miami Hurricanes on January 19th.

In July 2024, while playing football for UC Berkeley, Fernando explained to content creator Tony Banz that he needed to focus completely on his game. He said, “It’s easy to get distracted, especially by relationships.” He added that while he might find someone special in college, he was committed to giving his all to football, and would fully invest in any relationship he had.

The 22-year-old athlete, who later transferred to Indiana University five months after this conversation, said he’d need to adjust his training routine to accommodate his future partner. While a kind sentiment, it highlighted the necessary changes he’d have to make.

He explained that he’s planning to spend time with her from 6 to 9 p.m., perhaps going out for dinner, instead of grabbing food after class and then spending extra time reviewing game footage.

This change would effectively end his dream of playing professionally.

Fernando stated he’s confident he can reach the NFL if he performs well over the next two years. He fully believes he will make it.

As someone who follows these rising stars, it’s fantastic to see this Heisman winner officially declare for the 2026 NFL draft! He’s clearly focused and driven, and I know he’s already setting his sights on bringing a championship home with his new team. It’s all about that next level and achieving ultimate success!

Honestly, nobody thought we had a shot at the national championship, but believing we could actually do it, and then winning? Oh my gosh, we celebrated like crazy! I’m still running on fumes, I haven’t slept properly since, but it’s finally starting to hit me… we actually did it! We’re all just unbelievably happy, it’s a dream come true!

Keep reading to see more athletes discussing their love lives…

Olivia describes her husband as incredibly loyal and dependable, qualities she truly values. They prioritize each other’s goals and ambitions, which creates a healthy balance in their busy lives. Above all, their love and mutual support are the foundation of their relationship.

I honestly couldn’t be prouder of Josh. Seeing everything he accomplishes, and everything the whole Bills team achieves together, is just incredible. He truly is the most dedicated and hardworking person I’ve ever met.

Amanda, an artist and wife of NASCAR driver Bubba, says she’s most impressed by her husband’s drive to win, both in racing and in life.

Allison, a content creator and wife of retired NFL player Isaac, shares that one of the things she loves most about her husband is that his life isn’t solely about football. After eight years together, she appreciates how much more there is to him – he’s a loving husband and dog dad who enjoys hobbies like working with tools in the garage. She describes him as her best friend and is thankful for his constant support.

Simone, an Olympic gymnast married to a football player, knew Jonathan was the one after meeting his mother. She was impressed by how kind and respectful he was to his mom, who has a walking disability but has become stronger, and how he treats all women. He consistently shows his affection with small gestures, like bringing her flowers almost every week. Even after long, demanding practices – often lasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. – he makes an effort to brighten her day.

Whitney says she deeply admires her husband, Austin, for his kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for those he cares about. She also appreciates his unwavering loyalty and honesty in all aspects of his life.

You know, my husband Chris is amazing. He’s completely dedicated to leaving the stress of baseball at the field – he really makes an effort to be fully present when he walks through the door, no matter how his day or the team’s day went. He’s just such a selfless person, and it really shows in how much he throws himself into helping with our CT3 Foundation. He’ll literally schedule Zoom calls and meetings about our charity events first thing in the morning, before heading off to work all day, because he doesn’t want me to handle everything myself. He’s just the best, honestly.

Kourtney, a lifestyle blogger married to a Major League Baseball player, deeply admires her husband Justin’s remarkable ability to stay calm and focused. No matter how busy he is – whether at an event, assisting at a baseball clinic, or visiting someone in the hospital – he makes whoever he’s with feel like they have his full attention.

Taylor, expressing her immense love and pride, excitedly celebrated Travis’s accomplishments, repeating, “Look what you did!”

Morgan, who is dating professional tennis player Taylor, shared, ‘I’m really impressed by Taylor’s ability to bounce back from setbacks. Losing is just part of tennis—only one person can win each week—but he always makes me feel like we support each other and achieve things together as a team.’

Michelle, a star from Bachelor Nation and wife of professional golfer Mike, says what she loves most about him is his incredible dedication and loyalty to his family and everything he cares about. She also praises him as a wonderful father and stepfather, adding that she and their daughters feel very fortunate to have him as a role model who demonstrates hard work and passion.

Brittany admires Joey’s remarkable ability to fully focus on whatever he’s doing, whether at work or with family. He makes people feel incredibly valued and important. She also appreciates his strong work ethic and dedication to achieving his goals, as well as his resilience in the face of criticism. Above all, she cherishes his kindness and compassion, describing him as a wonderful person she feels lucky to know and share her life with.

Brittany, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a former soccer player herself, shared how impressed she is with him, saying he’s a natural leader who always puts the team first. She admired his dedication to improving and his relentless drive to win a Super Bowl, and expressed lasting respect for him both as a person and an athlete.

Honestly, I’m completely captivated by him. Seeing Kyle wake up happy to go to football practice – like, that’s his job and he loves it – it just pushes me to chase my own dreams harder. I’ve always been in awe of how dedicated he is, not just to football, but to everything. He’s constantly pushing himself, whether it’s grueling workouts or even growing his own food! Every single moment of his day is about becoming a better version of himself. He’s truly the most honorable, humble, loyal, and genuine person I know, and I feel unbelievably lucky to be his wife.

Julia, a racing correspondent and wife of NASCAR driver Daniel, says she’s most impressed by his dedication. She sees him give his all to his work every day and describes him as incredibly determined, intelligent, humble, and kind.

Kelly, wife of Rams quarterback Matthew, describes her husband as a hilarious, intelligent, and charming person she wishes everyone could know. She especially loves how kind and loving he is with their daughters, who adore him, and feels he was naturally meant to be a father to girls.

Hannan Ann, a star from Bachelor Nation and wife of football player Jake, says she and her husband share the same goals for their future and that she loves him just as he is. They’re simply happy being together as best friends.

I love my husband, and it’s amazing that we both understand the life of an athlete. We really get each other when it comes to the challenges of travel, dealing with wins and losses, and staying optimistic. After years of intense competition, I think we’re both a little bit driven—maybe even a little crazy—about our sports and always pushing forward.

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2026-01-23 18:17