The Express
The Ernie Davis Story
“He could do it all, beat every opponent . . . except one.”
–plaque honoring Ernie Davis, in the lobby of Elmira Free Academy
Ernie Davis was an All-American on the gridiron, and a man of integrity off the field. A multi-sport high school star in Elmira, New York, Davis went on to Syracuse University, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname, the Elmira Express. Two seasons later, Davis had broken the legendary Jim Brown’s rushing records, and became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
The number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft, Davis signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns and…
$30.99
September 2, 2008Robert C. Gallagher is an alumnus of Syracuse University and a freelance sportswriter. Gallagher is the author of The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, which was turned into a major motion picture. His articles have appeared in Baseball Digest, The Washington Post, Redskins Report, and other publications. He works for the Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia.
