ERNIE DAVIS (1939 – 1963) was an American football running back and the first African-American to win the esteemed Heisman Trophy. He died at the age of 23 from complications with leukemia before he was able to play his first professional game.
Davis was born on December 14, 1939, in New Salem, Pennsylvania, to Marie Davis. His father was killed in an auto accident before Davis was born and when he was fourteen months old, his mother sent him to live with his maternal grandparents. His grandparents already had twelve children of their own but still welcomed their grandson.
Davis spent his early years playing sports with his older uncles and at the age of 12 moved to New York with his mother. While living in New York, he participated in various football and basketball leagues and was voted an All-Star player.
Throughout his high school years at Elmira Free Academy (Ernie Davis Middle School was named after Davis in 1964), Davis’ talent on the football field became clear. He was named Elmira Player of the Year and high school All-American in both his junior and senior years. He also showed great athletic prowess in varsity basketball and baseball, all while excelling academically.
At the time many universities were not offering scholarships to black athletes, but colleges from around the country watched Davis’ high school career closely, and over 30 offered him scholarships, including Notre Dame and UCLA.
COLLEGE YEARS
Davis played football for Syracuse University, and went on to gain national fame for three seasons (1959-1961), twice winning first-team All-American honors. He was voted Most Valuable Player of the 1960 Cotton Bowl and the 1961 Liberty Bowl.
However his achievements meant nothing in the 60s American South where racism was very prevalent. Following a game during his Cotton Bowl visit in 1960, Davis attended a banquet and was told he could only accept his award, and that he would be required to go to a segregated facility. Davis refused and his teammates, nearly all of them white, boycotted the banquet.
Davis became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, following his 1961 senior-year season at Syracuse University. President John F. Kennedy had followed Davis’ career and requested to meet him while he was in New York to receive the trophy.
President John F. Kennedy on Davis:
“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.”
Davis was one of the greatest running backs in Syracuse history. He rushed for 2,386 yards, breaking the legendary Jim Brown’s school record. He graduated Syracuse University with a BA, economics in 1962.
PRO CAREER CUT SHORT
Davis was the number-one pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, becoming the first black football player to be taken first overall. Selected by the Washington Redskins, his rights were then traded to the Cleveland Browns.
He signed a three-year, $200,000 contract with the Browns in late December 1961 while he was in San Francisco, California practicing for the East-West Shrine Game. It was the most lucrative contract for an NFL rookie up to that time.
But his Pro Career would be cut short during the summer of 1962, when he was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia.
After undergoing a round of chemotherapy and spending almost two months in and out of hospitals, Davis’s leukemia went into remission. While in remission, Davis reported that he felt fine. He even participated in some exhibition basketball games with some Browns’ players.
In March of 1963, while in remission, Davis wrote an article for the Saturday Evening Post, in which he said,
“Some people say that I am unlucky. I don’t believe it. And I don’t want to sound as if I am particularly brave or unusual. Sometimes I still get down, and sometimes I feel sorry for myself. Nobody is just one thing all the time. But when I look back I can’t call myself unlucky. My 23rd birthday was December 14. In these years I have had more than most people get in a lifetime.”
Shortly after the article appeared, the leukemia reoccurred, and on Saturday, May 18, 1963, he passed away.
Thousands turned out to mourn his passing. Nearly thirty Browns players and staff flew in to Elmira for the funeral service. President John F. Kennedy sent a telegram, and more than 10,000 people filed past his coffin in one day. He was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
‘THE EXPRESS’ THE MOVIE ABOUT HIS LIFE
Ernie Davis is the subject of a Universal Pictures movie biography, The Express, based on the non-fiction book Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, by Robert C. Gallagher.
Actor Rob Brown is playing Ernie Davis in the film and it is set to be released in theaters Friday, October 10.
For detailed information on Ernie Davis, make sure to check out these links…
http://www.cityofelmira.net/history/ernie_davis.html
http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Davis_Ernie.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Davis
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Concrete Loop features ‘Black History Spotlights’ each week honoring black people who have played pivotal roles in history. submissions are welcome.
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WOW! He died so young, but he did a lot in his lifetime. I liked his quote about that.
Good one CL, I might check out the film this weekend.
i’m going to see the movie!!!
He was so handsome…
THE MOVIE IS GOING TO BE GREAT!
Let’s make sure we put this one in our personal libraries for our children to see, generations from now!!! Akilah and the Bee, The Great Debaters, The Pursuit of Happiness… these are the movies that must be celebrated in every Black home!!!!
I think ima go see this movie.. I had a bro who passed away from leukemia, and he had the heart of a lion and the fight of a tiger..
love hearing stories like these from back in the day. So young but he broke the barriers for many to come. Cant wait for the movie….
i wasnt interested in seeing the film, but after reading this post, i def am gonna c it this weekend!
At 23 years and before his first pro game thats deep, but the way he took it was inspirational at the same time
I’m going to see this. This, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. That George Lopez is a riot.
I Love this section. i really do . RIP
He was cute. He inspires me alot. He was taken so young, he still had alot to accomplish. Wow. Watch out for me I’ll be on that flag football team this season. 2010! Baby…
….yea I know…there was no school today.
This is a great story! I really want to see this film now!
***************I am going to see this movie i saw the special on BET last night
He was an alum of my alma mater Syracuse University (SU U Know) name in football of the past had been Jim Brown so I am looking forward to this.
Wow, what a story. I still dont think I will watch this movie. I dont like movies like this.You know, movies that remind me why I dont like white folks.
This brought tears to my eyes. His life was definitely interesting. I definitely want to see it.
Very interesting story. Also positive. This should be one of those movies that you have in your movie library such as: Lean on Me, Akeelah & the Bee, Freedom Writers, Color Purple, Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, The Inkwell, and several others I can’t name right now cuz I’m at work. I know others have their favorite “positive, inspirational (black) movie.
He was such a brilliant man and now I know why he never got to play in the NFL.
……..SU is both my husbands and my alma mater – we are eager to see the movie.
I never liked the “Cotton Bowl” too many racial innuendos. Great story, though I will definitely watch the movie when it comes out.
I am sorry but every time I see Former President Kennedy shaking a black man’s hand, it irks me really badly. John F. Kennedy was really a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He really fooled black people back then. He promised Black folks all the things he was going to do for them if they elected him president and they did – 80%. When he was elected, he turned and spat right in the face of black folks. When the racist bastards were setting dogs on black women and black babies, black folks cried out for help and Kennedy said he couldn’t do anything because no federal laws were violated. Kennedy basically turned his back, which embolden the crackers in Alabama to the point where they bombed the church killing the four little girls namely Denise McNair, 11, and Cynthia Wesley, Carole Rosamond Robertson and Addie Mae Collins, who were 14 years of age.
When black folks got mad and started retaliating, in the form of riots, what did Kennedy do? He sent for the National Guard to protect the “poor” white folks in Alabama. Now I hear these pundits, and uninformed Uncle Toms praising Kennedy as if he was president of the people – he was nothing but a racist himself.
Definitely seeing this movie. It’s a breath of fresh air to see biopics like this on the big screen. Kudos CL, for spotlighting different black Americans that don’t usually make it to textbooks.
***Another WONDERFUL post CL! Keep up the great work! I will be first in line to see
***the movie!
I can’t wait to see this movie.. so inspiring that he didn’t let anyone take away or discourage his drive and ambition! Thanks CL for a more in-depth peek before the movie!
********Very good story and the movie should be good.
I look forward to seeing the movie and I hate that he was unable to enjoy his NFL career. Sounds as though he was gratedul for everything that happened in his short lifetime and I just wanna say…He DID that pose! lol
I never heard of this great young man. His life is such an inspiration, especially to other young men out there. Dont watch time doing nothing. Do something positive in your life to enjoy it. Thanks CL for posting.
I had the chance to see the movie early…It was really good!!! Everyone should go see it.
WoW….sad story to a career and life cut short. Thanks for sharing
i’m from elmira, ny and the city is obsessed with Ernie Davis. i’m glad his story is FINALLY being told around the nation.
This is a very touching story
he died so young
thats excellent!
Can’t wait for this movie! He has such an inspirational story to share–Thanks CL!!
Angel, I’m glad that you wrote a piece on this upbeat, educated, special man.
I think I will go see the movie now that I know more about him.
Fellow ‘Cuse alum here and I am making a point to see this movie tomorrow!
I wanted to see this movie anyway, I always like the black inspirational sports films. Reading this info only makes me want to see it even more. What a sad story! He’s resting in peace.
very well done
Great story on ERNIE DAVIS. Thanks
i’m goin to see this movie it just make me want make a differents in people lives…..WOW WHAT A BEUTIFUL PERSON
His story is amazing. He did so much in his short time here on Earth. RIP and the movie looks good.
Another case of beauty on CL…can’t get enough of these pots…please keep it up. I will definitely watch this movie now. Thank you.
Wow I’m so honored to share the same birthday as him. Thanks Concrete Loop.
Now I really want to see the movie.
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this man was someone who deserved to be in the hall of fame but not to die. He should be looked up to by all aspiring athletes and all pro athletes.