MIAMI — As the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, Miami native and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is drawing attention beyond football.

The 22-year-old national champion and his family announced the launch of the Mendoza Family Fund, a national effort in partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society aimed at advancing research toward a cure for multiple sclerosis. A spokesperson for the organization confirmed the initiative.

As part of the effort, Mendoza is committing $500,000 to support multiple sclerosis research at the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The cause is personal for the Mendoza family.

Their mother, Elsa Mendoza, has been living with the disease, which has inspired Fernando and his brother, Alberto, to raise awareness and support others affected by MS.

The new fund builds on previous grassroots fundraising efforts that have raised more than $360,000, expanding those efforts into a national initiative.

“We’re grateful for the support of the National MS Society and the Mendoza Family Fund,” Joe Echevarria, president and CEO of the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System, said in a statement. “The University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine share their commitment to a world free of MS, and we value this opportunity to accelerate our work discovering, developing and delivering treatments for all patients.”

Fernando Mendoza is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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