Ernie Davis possessed a football mind that enabled him to be the first African American man to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961 and to also be picked 1^st overall in the National Football League draft. Ernie Davis was a three-time All-American halfback with a football confidence that lead him to be voted and win the Most Valuable Player title in both the Cotton Bowl and the Liberty Bowl. Further Davis went on to be inducted in 1979 into the College Football Hall of Fame.

 Playing at Syracuse University as a halfback, Davis football mental toughness was necessary to minority players back in that time in history. His focus, determination, drive and football confidence allowed him to win such honors as mentioned above. As a black athlete playing many games in the south he was the victim of racism on several occasions.

The most publicized incident occurred when he was selected as the Cotton Bowl MVP in 1960. Davis was told by organizers that he would be allowed to accept his award at the post game banquet, and would immediately have to leave the segregated facility. Ernie refused to receive the award, and his entire team agreed to boycott the banquet. What a tremendous football mentality in the face of adversity was shown not just by Davis in doing this but also by his teammates.

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.

His outstanding character and athletic accomplishments in the face of adversity could not be over looked even by those that once hated him. He is known for his humility, wisdom and preferring others before himself. Ernie was known for being honest, trustworthy, kind respectful, selfless and for having integrity. This is why his mental toughness and football mind was exceptional. He was a true man of character.

Those seasons would never come, however, as Ernie was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia during preparations for the 1962 College All Star Game. Upon receiving this news he remained mentally tough and encouraging to his fans. Treatment had begun immediately, the disease would prove incurable and Ernie died on May 18, 1963 – Having never played a professional football game.

After Davis’s tragic death, both the House of Representatives and the Senate eulogized him.

John F. Kennedy even sent a telegram 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.”

At The Neighborhood House in Elmira, New York more than 10,000 mourners paid their respect.

Ernie Davis born in New Salem, Pennsylvania in 1939 and died May 18th, 1963. Throughout his life he accomplished great things and is a true example of mental toughness on the field and off. He impacted the lives of many people with the word he spoke and the  actions that backed up those words.

 The work of Ernie Davis both on and off the field continues to bring hope, inspiration and encouragement to people of all ages and race.

Ernie Davis will never be forgotten.