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Plaque on statue, Ernie Davis Academy, Elmira, New York. Davis played football for coach Ben Schwartzwalder at Syracuse University from 1959 to 1961, and went on to national fame in each of those three seasons, twice winning first-team All-American honors.
Apr 2, 2014 · Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy before his life was tragically cut short by leukemia at the age of 23.
Oct 8, 2008 · Ernie Davis' only real NFL footnote was that, as part of a trade between Washington and Cleveland in 1962, he became the first black player drafted first overall.
Aug 12, 2024 · Ernie Davis was an American collegiate gridiron football player who was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. As a student at Elmira (N.Y.) Free Academy, Davis was a high-school All-American in football and basketball.
Ernest R. Davis was an American football player and the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. This biography profiles his childhood, life, career, achievements and timeline.
Mar 30, 2009 · Ernie Davis is best known for being one of the greatest football players in college football history and the first black person to win the Heisman Trophy.
Ernie Davis succeeded at every venue, a three-sport standout in high school, a two-time All-American halfback at Syracuse.
Feb 23, 2022 · Ernie Davis, the “Elmira Express” who was the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961, came from humble beginnings, but persevered into prominence and the history books. As we reflect on Davis during Black History Month, his life — cut too short at 23 — had an impact that much beyond the gridiron.
Sep 12, 2008 · Ernie, she said, exuded class despite going to college in what really was a segregated city. Just beyond campus, the black community was confined to homes in the 15th Ward.
Davis won Syracuse’s first Heisman thanks to a fine all-around season in 1961. He is the first black player to win a Heisman Trophy. Born in New Salem, Penn., Davis moved to Elmira, New York, when he was 12 and soon revealed himself to be quite an athlete.