Who was Ernie Davis? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Ernest Davis

Died At Age: 23

Died Young American Football Players

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

Died on: May 18, 1963

place of death: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

U.S. State: Pennsylvania

Grouping of People: Black American Football Player

Cause of Death: Acute Monocytic Leukemia

More Facts

education: Syracuse University

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1

What position did Ernie Davis play in football?

Ernie Davis played as a running back in football.
2

Did Ernie Davis win the Heisman Trophy?

Yes, Ernie Davis won the Heisman Trophy in 1961, becoming the first African American to receive this prestigious award.
3

What college did Ernie Davis attend?

Ernie Davis attended Syracuse University, where he played college football for the Syracuse Orangemen.
4

How did Ernie Davis inspire others during his football career?

Ernie Davis inspired others with his exceptional talent, humility, and grace both on and off the football field, breaking barriers for African American athletes.
5

What impact did Ernie Davis have on the civil rights movement?

Ernie Davis's success in football and his dignified demeanor helped break down racial barriers in sports and society, making him a symbol of progress during the civil rights movement.

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Childhood & Early Life

Ernie was born on December 14th, 1939 as Ernest R. Davis in New Salem, Pennsylvania. His father passed away in an auto accident before his birth and his mother, Avis Marie Davis Fleming sent him to live with his maternal grandparents as she was in search of a job.

He grew up in Uniontown Pennsylvania and moved to Elmira, New York at the age of 12 to live with his mother and step-father. He excelled as an athlete and in baseball, basketball, and football during his grade school.

Ernie played tackle on Small Fry football for the Superior Buick team and joined the junior varsity football team at Elmira Free Academy in New York. He completed his high school at Elmira Free Academy and joined college in Syracuse University.

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Career

Ernie was selected in the junior varsity football team In Elmira Free Academy and broke his wrist in the first game. He went on to play basketball during his injury and scored 22 points in his first game.

During his sophomore year, he played defensive end in the football team in 1955 and led his team to win conference championship. He was moved as halfback by his coach in 1956 and his team, Blue Devils won another league title.

Ernie won all-conference for the third consecutive year in 1957 and played thirteen games at the halfback position. He made a school-record of 138 career points on 21 touchdowns and 12 place kicks at that time.

He also excelled at basketball during the same timeframe and led his team with 52 consecutive wins during his junior and senior school along with conference record of 1,065 points. He had an average of 18.4 points per game.

Ernie was approached by more than thirty colleges and he finally went for Syracuse University where his team went undefeated in 1958. He led Syracuse Orangemen to a record of 11-0 in 1959 opposite Texas Longhorns.

It was in the year 1960 that Davis had made a record of 7.8 yards per carry and also succeeded in becoming the third leading rusher across the country with 877 yards. His team finished with a glorious record of 7-2 in 1960.

In 1961, his team at Syracuse finished at a record of 8-3 and ended the season with a 15-14 win over Miami Hurricanes in the Liberty Bowl.

Ernie Davis was the first pick in the National Football League (NFL) and was selected by Washington Redskins followed by Cleveland Browns. He had signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in December, 1961 which amounted to $200,000. He was preparing for East-West Shrine Game during that time.

Major Works

Ernie Davis was selected in the junior varsity football team at Elmira Free Academy where he had won three consecutive all-conference honors in the year 1957. He made a school-record of 138 career points during his high school.

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Davis made a record of 7.8 yards per carry in Syracuse University in 1960. He was awarded with a couple of all-Americans and a Heisman Trophy for his performance.

Awards & Achievements

Ernie Davis won first team All-American in the two consecutive years in 1960 and 1961. He won Heisman Trophy in 1961. He was given the title of ‘Elmira Express’.

Davis was named as the Player of the Year by a Sports Magazine in 1961. He received Walter Camp Trophy as the College Player of the Year and Chic Harley Award in 1961. He was honored with his name included in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

A non-fiction book ‘Ernie Davis, the Elmira Express: The Story of a Heisman Trophy Winner’ was written by Robert C. Gallagher which was originally published on June 1st, 1999. Universal Pictures made a film ‘The Express’ on the same book which began production on April, 2007 and was released on October 10th, 2008. The character of Ernie Davis was played by Rob Brown in the movie and it made a box office collection of $9,808,124.

Personal Life

Davis was diagnosed with Leukemia in the summer of 1962 while he was preparing for College All-Star Game against the Green Bay Packers in Chicago. He started receiving medical treatment thereafter.

Ernie Davis died at the age of 23 on May 18th, 1963 due to incurable Leukemia at Cleveland Lakeside Hospital.

Facts About Ernie Davis

Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961, paving the way for future generations of black athletes in college football.

Despite his exceptional football career, Davis remained humble and dedicated to giving back to his community, often volunteering his time to help others.

Davis was known for his speed and agility on the field, earning him the nickname "The Elmira Express" after his hometown of Elmira, New York.

Off the field, Davis was a talented artist and enjoyed painting in his spare time, showcasing his creativity beyond the realm of sports.

Ernie Davis' legacy continues to inspire and uplift fans of all ages, reminding us of the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Ernie Davis Biography

You wanted to know

What position did Ernie Davis play in football?

Did Ernie Davis win the Heisman Trophy?

What college did Ernie Davis attend?

How did Ernie Davis inspire others during his football career?

What impact did Ernie Davis have on the civil rights movement?