ERNIE DAVIS (1939 – 1963) was an American football running back and the first African-American to win the esteemed Heisman Trophy. He died at the age of 23 from complications with leukemia before he was able to play his first professional game.
Davis was born on December 14, 1939, in New Salem, Pennsylvania, to Marie Davis. His father was killed in an auto accident before Davis was born and when he was fourteen months old, his mother sent him to live with his maternal grandparents. His grandparents already had twelve children of their own but still welcomed their grandson.
Davis spent his early years playing sports with his older uncles and at the age of 12 moved to New York with his mother. While living in New York, he participated in various football and basketball leagues and was voted an All-Star player.
Throughout his high school years at Elmira Free Academy (Ernie Davis Middle School was named after Davis in 1964), Davis’ talent on the football field became clear. He was named Elmira Player of the Year and high school All-American in both his junior and senior years. He also showed great athletic prowess in varsity basketball and baseball, all while excelling academically.
At the time many universities were not offering scholarships to black athletes, but colleges from around the country watched Davis’ high school career closely, and over 30 offered him scholarships, including Notre Dame and UCLA.
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