On This Day

Ernie Davis

Athlete

Ernest R. Davis (December 14, 1939 – May 18, 1963) was an American college football player who was a halfback for the Syracuse Orangemen and won the Heisman Trophy in 1961. He was the award's first black recipient. Davis was selected first overall by the Washington Redskins in the 1962 NFL draft but was almost immediately traded to the Cleveland Browns. He was diagnosed with leukemia that same year, and died shortly after at age 23 without ever playing in a professional game. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and was the subject of the 2008 film The Express: The Ernie Davis Story.

Notable For

American football player

Ernie Davis's Historical Timeline

  1. Ernie Davis is born

    Ernie Davis athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1939-12-14. Ernest R.

  2. NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins

    NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Ernie Davis born?
Ernie Davis was born on 1939-12-14.
What is Ernie Davis known for?
American football player
What historical events involved Ernie Davis?
Ernie Davis was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Ernie Davis is born, NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins.
When did Ernie Davis die?
Ernie Davis died on 1963-01-01.

Related Years