Honoring the Life & Legacy
of American Football Hero
Ernie Davis
(1939-1963)
My name is Makenna. I created this webpage dedicated to Ernie Davis to share his life experiences and the exceptional character qualities that have made him an inspiration to others.
Please continue to check in over the next several weeks to view updated content, videos, and interviews about Ernie Davis, the challenge of social injustice, and information on my community fundraising event.
Ernie’s Life & Legacy
EARLY LIFE
Ernest R. Davis was born on December 14, 1939 in New Salem, Pennsylvania. His parents separated shortly after his birth, and his father was killed in an accident. Ernie’s mother sent him to live with his grandparents and he grew up in poverty in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
He moved to Elmira when he was 12 years old to live with his mother and stepfather. He attended Elmira Free Academy and was an outstanding three-sport athlete, excelling at football, basketball, and baseball. He led the basketball team to a 52-game winning streak and earned high school All-American honors in both football and basketball (although football was his favorite sport)!
COLLEGE YEARS
Ernie was recruited by top college programs to play football, and was encouraged to attend Syracuse University by his idol, Jim Brown, who was the star running back with the Orangemen.
At a time when many schools resisted full integration of their sports teams, Brown convinced Ernie that Syracuse would be a welcoming place for a young black athlete. Ernie wore Brown’s number 44 at Syracuse.
As a sophomore, Ernie compiled 686 yards on 98 carries and 10 touchdowns, earning the nickname “The Elmira Express,” reflecting his speed, locomotive-like power, and roots in Elmira.
In 1960, Ernie earned the honor of Cotton Bowl Most Valuable Player, after scoring two touchdowns to help Syracuse remain undefeated and clinch the national title. He was named an All-American in both his junior and senior seasons at Syracuse.
HISTORIC SUCCESS
In 1961, Ernie was the first African American man to be awarded the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding player in American college football.
And In 1962, Ernie was selected with the first overall pick of the National Football League Draft by the Washington Redskins, becoming the first African American football player to be taken first overall.
He was then traded to the Cleveland Browns, but he never played a game for the Browns.
He was diagnosed with leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer, in the summer of 1962. His disease was incurable, and he died on May 18, 1963.
Racism & Social Injustice
Despite his short career, Ernie is remembered as a symbol of perseverance and athletic excellence, inspiring future generations of athletes.
His team played many games in the South, and he was the victim of racism on several occasions. The most notable was when Syracuse University played the University of Texas at the Cotton Bowl in 1960.
Ernie and the other African American players were the targets of racial slurs, and had objects thrown at them from the opposing fans and players. Despite these distractions, he played an outstanding game and was selected Most Valuable Player for helping Syracuse to clinch the national title.
Ernie was told that he would be allowed to accept his award at the post game banquet, but since it was a segregated facility, he would need to leave immediately after picking up his trophy. Instead, he refused to receive the award, and his entire team agreed to boycott the banquet.
This is just one example of the discrimination Ernie was subjected to as a black athlete during the civil rights movement that divided the country. Despite these interactions, Ernie handled racial intolerance with grace.
UNITED by COLOR
March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
It was established in 1966 by the United Nations General Assembly to remember when the police opened fire and killed 69 people in Sharpsville, South Africa, at a peaceful demonstration against the policies of racial segregation.
This date serves as a reminder about our responsibility to combat racism, promote tolerance, and strive for unity.
MARCH 22, 2025
UNITED by COLOR - Ernie Davis Awareness COLOR RUN Fundraiser
A color run is an untimed fun run event where participants are showered with colored powder at various points throughout the course as they run or walk.
The theme of the color run is UNITED by COLOR to unite the community in acceptance, recognizing that color on the outside doesn’t matter - it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
Money raised through this event will be donated to the Ernie Davis Community Center.
Ernie is remembered most for his outstanding character.
I encourage everyone to follow Ernie’s Example:
Be a LEADER in change
Live with INTEGRITY always
Practice HUMILITY often
Show KINDNESS to everyone
Be COURAGEOUS when facing adversity