Mexicans do everything well: soccer, American football, LFA or NFL. What led you to bet on the Mexican league? William Hernández: I am here to elevate the level of American football in Mexico. I realized that there was a lack of scouting in Mexico. I saw many players who, in my opinion, did not belong in the league, while I had friends in Mexico, at Tec de Monterrey or at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, who were much better. If you add technique, instruction, and intelligence to that, Mexicans can make a lot of noise. We have a foundation where we help empower Hispanic children, specifically Mexicans in the United States, so they can develop their physical and mental potential. As one of the few Mexicans in the NFL, everything I can share to help the next Mexican player get there, I will do. Not just in the league, but in this entire sport. At what point did you understand that your personal project could scale beyond a brand and become a cultural issue? William Hernández: The first sign was when I was drafted and they told me, 'You are one of the few Mexicans selected.' That is what we are as Mexicans; it is our nature. In 2018, when the Draft arrived, I was able to change my parents' lives in a way I could never have achieved otherwise. In addition to the NFL, you have gotten involved with the Osos of the LFA in Monterrey. Tell us, what does this project encompass? William Hernández: Mijono is just clothing. I came to Monterrey to talk with the managers and coaches because I truly believe in the LFA; I think it will be a very successful league. There I knew that Mijono had to be the source for the Mexican who dreams of playing to feel that they belong here, because I am present and paving the way. Your brand Mijono seems to mix several categories: fashion, gastronomy, and even a foundation. And the Osos are just the beginning. What is the missing piece for the LFA to make that great leap in quality? William Hernández: What's missing is putting all the pieces together. I was about to leave football to go to work and make money immediately for my family. When I played at the Azteca, I realized that the passion here is superior. My mission is to put Mexico on the map. How do you see the fandom compared to that of the United States? William Hernández: I have played in almost every NFL stadium, but the level of energy from the fan in Mexico is on another level; it's not even comparable. I had to decide between helping a little at that moment or holding on for years with the possibility of reaching the NFL and truly changing their lives. In an exclusive interview with Publimetro, we talked with William Hernández, the imposing guard of the Arizona Cardinals who has become one of the main references of Mexican blood in the NFL. Beyond the American grids, Hernández reveals his most personal side: from the creation of his brand and foundation Mijono, to his ambitious project to elevate the level of the LFA in Monterrey. With the frankness that characterizes him, Will tells us how the 'chingona' (badass) work ethic of our people is the true key to opening the doors of the major leagues and why his life mission is to ensure that no Mexican talent is left without the opportunity to shine in professional sports. Exclusive interview with Will Hernández Will, there is a lot of talk about the physical demands in the NFL, but for you, what really separates an average player from one who leaves a mark, especially under Mexican identity? William Hernández: The game matters, of course, but what managers value most is work ethic: how hardworking you are, how much you 'chingas' (kill it) at the weights. But beyond that, we have more camps; we continue in El Paso and now we've opened in Los Angeles because there is a lot of 'raza' (people) with dreams there. If we add professional players' experience to that talent, we bring the eyes of the world and make collaborations with the NFL, this is going to explode. You have played in legendary stadiums, but you were recently at the Azteca Stadium. Monterrey and San Pedro are the foundation of all this due to the talent that comes out of their universities. That is why the LFA is so important, so that this passion has a place to vibrate all year round. Finally, what are the next immediate steps for Will Hernández? William Hernández: My NFL career continues at 100%. I was one of those kids; when I started in high school, I knew nothing about scholarships or how the system worked. What do you consider has been the riskiest decision of your life and what did you learn from it? William Hernández: It was in high school. I decided to endure and follow the path. We are going to keep giving it our all so the world knows what we are made of. We are a 'chingona' people who transmit a unique energy. My mission is to return that favor, teaching them how scholarships work, how to qualify, and training them to be competitive and manage to get to college. In your position, you have to constantly make key decisions. For me, it's personal. My coaches asked me to see the long-term vision. But the real 'click' was after my first season. It was another language.
