"Can’t act like Johnny Manziel & expect respect like Tim Tebow": Right-wing analyst accuses Diego Pavia of letting down Jesus Christ

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, one of the finalists for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, finished second in the voting behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Pavia received 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points, well behind Mendoza’s 643 first-place votes and 2,362 points in the final ballot.

However, Pavia's reaction to coming in second was unsportsmanlike. He reacted on social media with a vulgar message directed at Heisman voters following the announcement. Pavia posted a photo with teammates and wrote, “F*ck all the voters, but family for life.” His comments went viral and drew criticism from fans and members of the media for disparaging the voting process.

Another video posted on social media showed Pavia in New York City. He celebrated with a “F*ck Indiana” sign and gave the middle finger to the camera.

Sports reporter Jon Root reacted to the clip, saying Pavia let Jesus down.

"⚠️LANGUAGE⚠️ Diego Pavia didn’t show the fruit of saving faith in Jesus Christ during Heisman weekend. He looks like the world, talks like the world, & acts like the world. You can’t act like Johnny Manziel & expect to be respected like Tim Tebow…" Root tweeted on Sunday.

Diego Pavia issues apology after emotional Heisman reaction draws backlash

Diego Pavia addressed his social media reaction following the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Sunday. He issued a public apology less than 24 hours after his post drew widespread criticism.

“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to,” Pavia tweeted on Monday.

“I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”

Diego Pavia

@diegopavia02

Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the

He also recognized the other finalists.

“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah Love and Julian Sayin had this season,” Pavia tweeted.

Pavia’s season stood out despite the controversy. He led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season in program history, throwing for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also added 826 rushing yards and nine scores.