5 Ways We Can All Lead Better
About this episode
The episode discusses leadership and resilience through the story of Fernando Mendoza's journey in college football.
Subscribe and Connect with the Small Group Network Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. For more resources and to join the small group community, visit smallgroupnetwork.com. THE MENDOZA STORY 130 schools said no. He led the losingest program in college football history to a national championship anyway. Fernando Mendoza was a 2-star recruit from Miami. He tried to walk on at his hometown school. They passed. So did FIU. So did FAU. So did everyone else. At 17, he was sitting in his bedroom, crying over a silent recruiting inbox—after driving to 18 camps with his dad and sending highlights to more than 100 programs. Not one FBS offer. His only option? Yale. No scholarship. No NFL path. Everyone told him to be “realistic.” “Know your place.” “Be grateful.” He didn’t listen. Because Mendoza understood something most people miss: The worst outcome isn’t failing. It’s never getting the chance to try. Two weeks before signing day in 2022, his phone rang. Cal needed a body. One offer. Out of 134 schools. He took it. He arrived as the third-string quarterback. Spent a year on the scout team. Lost his first four starts. Got sacked…
People in this episode
Host: Steve Gladen
Topics covered
- leadership
- resilience
- sports
- personal growth
- overcoming adversity
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Yale, Cal, Indiana, FIU, FAU, Small Group Network
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