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| Jim Brown and Ernie Davis |
A three-time All-American halfback and 1961 Heisman Trophy winner, Davis set yard and scoring records at Syracuse University. He would go on to win MVP title in both the 1960 Cotton Bowl and the 1961 Liberty Bowl, and would be inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame in 1979.
Although the details are somewhat disputed, Davis' contract was considered to be the most lucrative ever offered to an NFL rookie. His teammates and supporters looked forward to seeing Ernie sharing the backfield with the great Jim Brown, breaking countless records and leading the Cleveland Browns to a decade of victorious seasons. Sadly those seasons would never come, as Ernie was diagnosed with leukemia during preparations for the 1962 College All Star Game. Although treatment had begun immediately, the disease would prove incurable and Ernie died on May 18, 1963 - Having never played a professional football game. An idol too many, his wake in New York saw more than 10,000 mourners pay their respects.
His character and his athletic accomplishments caught the eye of John F. Kennedy, who had followed Ernie's college career and made several attempts to meet the star. In 1963, when he heard Ernie would be honoured by his high school with a school holiday, the president sent a touching message reading: "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."
Ernie Davis’ short but eventful life is represented by the 2008 Universal Pictures film "The Express."
