Fernando Mendoza

I would have said, what are you on?

That would have been out of the realm of reality.

However, at the same time, focusing on the present moment, you know, going into the future, there were some projections.

I said, hey, this kid has some raw ability and maybe could project to this.

However,

In reality, at that point a year ago, I just made the move from Cal to Indiana, and I was getting my butt kicked by the Indiana defense in spring ball.

My amazing Brian Haynes defense has proved to be the best defense in the nation.

I would have been a little skeptical, but it's been a great blessing, and those tough experiences have forged me into the player and character I am today.

Yes.

Yes, I did have second thoughts about going to Indiana, especially when leaving California.

Having lived in Miami, been leaving California, great weather cities.

I mean, not cities, states.

And then moving to Bloomington, Indiana, which is awesome.

But zero degree and seven inches of snow is not, you know, is not ideal, especially for someone who comes from a warmer weather state.

But I believe those experiences also primed me for the NFL to then play in cold weather performances and cold weather games.

But there was definitely a lot of, you know, weariness and maybe some, not some regrets, but maybe some double takes at first.

However, God's plan worked.

pride and true and been very blessed this year.

You grew up a Dolphins fan?

I grew up... I did, but I really didn't because although I liked the Dolphins... You can be honest now.