NFL’s Fernando Mendoza Details Move to Las Vegas

“Keeping yourself genuine,” he explained of what he’s remembered most. “All the wisdom, although it might be helpful, it might not all apply to you so make sure that you get that wisdom, but at the same time, apply it to your process and see what works for you.”

And for Mendoza, what works best for him is staying close to his squad, as he highlighted in his ESPYs acceptance speech.

“Football is a team sport and although this award has one name on it, it belongs to so many people,” he shared while onstage during the ceremony. “I want to give a huge thanks to my family, my coaches, my beloved Hoosier nation and most importantly, out of all of them, my beloved teammates. Love you guys, appreciate everything you guys [have] done for me.”

—Reporting by Nikaline McCarley