Ernie Davis

Who Was Ernie Davis?

Ernie Davis, a three-time All-American halfback and the 1961 Heisman Trophy winner, was a pioneering figure in college football. As a sophomore, he led Syracuse University to a national championship and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979. Davis made history as the first African American to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy and to be selected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, his promising career was tragically cut short when he died of leukemia at the age of 23, never having had the opportunity to play a professional game.

Early Life

Born on December 14, 1939, in New Salem, Pennsylvania, Davis was raised under difficult circumstances. His father passed away shortly after his birth, and he was placed in the care of his maternal grandparents at just 14 months old. Growing up in a modest household in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Davis also struggled with a severe stuttering problem. Despite these challenges, his grandparents provided him with the stability and support needed to thrive, instilling in him the values of discipline and family. At the age of 12, Davis moved to Elmira, New York, to live with his mother and stepfather. It was here that his extraordinary athletic abilities began to emerge. A standout in baseball, basketball, and football at Elmira Free Academy, Davis earned high school All-American honors in both basketball and football. He led the school’s basketball team to 52 consecutive victories, though many believed his natural talents were better suited for basketball. Nonetheless, Davis’ true passion was football, and he was heavily recruited by top college programs. Ultimately, he chose to attend Syracuse University, largely influenced by NFL legend Jim Brown, who encouraged him to follow in his footsteps and assured him that Syracuse would be a welcoming environment for an African American athlete.

Express Track to Stardom

Davis was ineligible to play during his freshman year at Syracuse, as per the rules of the time, but he quickly made a name for himself in practice with his impressive speed and strength. During his sophomore year, Davis amassed 686 yards on 98 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, earning the nickname “The Elmira Express” and securing his first of three All-America selections. Despite suffering a hamstring injury before the 1960 Cotton Bowl, Davis helped lead Syracuse to a 23-14 victory over the University of Texas, solidifying an undefeated season and the national championship. He went on to rush for 877 yards during the 1960 season, averaging an outstanding 7.8 yards per carry. In 1961, Davis won the Heisman Trophy after rushing for 823 yards, capping off an extraordinary college career. Over three seasons, Davis recorded 2,386 rushing yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, and scored 35 touchdowns—each a Syracuse record at the time.

Off the field, Davis faced the challenges of being a Black athlete in a segregated America, particularly when playing in the South. One of the most publicized incidents occurred after he was named MVP of the 1960 Cotton Bowl. He was informed that he could receive his award at the post-game banquet but would be required to leave immediately after, due to the facility’s segregation policies. While popular reports suggest that his Syracuse teammates were prepared to boycott the banquet in solidarity, some accounts indicate that this idea was overruled by the university’s officials.

A trailblazer both on and off the field, Davis was not only the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy but also the first to join the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, a prestigious organization initially restricted to Jewish students. In 1962, Davis made history again as the first African American player to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft.

Legacy

Ernie Davis’ life and career, though tragically brief, left an indelible mark on the world of sports. His accomplishments on the field, coupled with his trailblazing efforts as a Black athlete during the Civil Rights Movement, continue to inspire generations. Despite his untimely death, Davis’ legacy as a pioneer in college football endures, remembered for his extraordinary athletic talent, resilience, and groundbreaking role in breaking racial barriers.

Tragic Death of Ernie Davis

Although some details surrounding his contract remain disputed, Davis was considered to have received one of the most lucrative offers ever made to an NFL rookie at the time. His teammates and supporters eagerly anticipated seeing the 6-foot-2, 210-pound running back share the backfield with Jim Brown, break numerous records, and lead the Cleveland Browns to years of success.

Unfortunately, Davis’ promising career was never realized. During preparations for the 1962 College All-Star Game, he was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia. Treatment began immediately, and Davis maintained optimism about his recovery. When his cancer went into remission later that year, it appeared that a professional debut was imminent. However, Cleveland Browns coach Paul Brown, concerned about Davis’ health, kept him sidelined. Sadly, the disease proved to be incurable, and Davis passed away on May 18, 1963, without ever playing a game in the NFL.

Davis’ untimely death was mourned nationwide, with both the House of Representatives and the Senate offering tributes. His wake was held at The Neighborhood House in Elmira, New York, where over 10,000 people came to pay their respects.

Accolades from John F. Kennedy

Davis’ remarkable character and athletic achievements caught the attention of President John F. Kennedy, who had followed his college career. The two met in New York in December 1961 when Davis accepted the Heisman Trophy, a moment that greatly thrilled the young football star. In 1963, upon hearing that Davis would be honored with a school holiday by his high school, President Kennedy sent a telegram expressing his admiration:

“Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship, and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It’s a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you.”

Legacy

Though Davis never played a professional game, his legacy lives on. The Cleveland Browns retired his No. 45 jersey shortly after his death, and he was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2005, Syracuse University retired No. 44 in honor of Davis, Jim Brown, and Floyd Little.

Today, Davis is remembered for his sportsmanship, his courage in the face of racial intolerance, and his brave battle against a fatal illness. His legacy continues to inspire generations.

The Movie

The 2008 film The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, produced by Universal Pictures and based on Robert C. Gallagher’s nonfiction book Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, helped keep Davis’ memory alive by introducing his inspiring story to a new generation of fans.