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.

May 22, 2023 · A dream Cleveland Browns backfield of Ernie Davis and Jim Brown never happened after Davis was diagnosed with leukemia and died before he could play a down in …

Mar 28, 2025 · 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the coveted Heisman trophy. Playing at Syracuse, he broke Jim Brown's rushing, scoring and touchdown records and helped lead the team to a national championship.

Ernie Davis (1939-1963) was a 1962 graduate of Syracuse University and the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Davis and his mother moved to Elmira, New York when he was 12.

Ernie Davis was one of the greatest players in college football history. He set many records at Syracuse University and became the first black player ever to win the Heisman Trophy.