By Darin Ernie Davis was a standout Syracuse halfback who didn’t just play football—he changed it. After leading Syracuse to a national championship in 1959, Davis became the undisputed top player in the nation in 1961, rushing for 823 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. But Davis’s significance transcended statistics: he made history by becoming the first African-American player to win the Heisman Trophy, and later, the first black player drafted with the top pick in the NFL Draft, paving the way for generations of athletes.
Football Bio
December 14, 1939 – New Salem, Pennsylvania – Ernie Davis, the standout Syracuse halfback, was born. According to his NFF bio, Davis led Syracuse to a national championship in 1959. He was the top player in the nation in 1961, rushing for 823 yards as a senior and scoring 15 touchdowns.
He also led Syracuse in pass receiving with 16 catches for 157 yards. Ernie Davis was the first African-American player to win the Heisman. He was also the first black player drafted with the top pick in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, shortly after signing a life-changing contract with the Browns, Ernie came down with leukemia and could not live out his professional dream.
We lost Ernie Davis at just 23. The National Football Foundation selected him posthumously for the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Conclusion
Ernie Davis’s story is a powerful mix of triumph and tragedy. From leading Syracuse to a national championship and making history as the first African-American Heisman winner, he proved his dominance at every level. Though his professional dream was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after signing a life-changing contract with the Cleveland Browns, his legacy lives on. Davis’s impact as a trailblazer—both on the field and in the record books—was permanently recognized when the National Football Foundation posthumously selected him for the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979. We lost Ernie Davis far too soon, at just 23, but his pioneering achievements continue to inspire.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy: Winner (1961), becoming the first African-American player to receive the award.
- National Championship: Led Syracuse to the national championship (1959).
- College Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1979 (Posthumous selection).
- Draft: First overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft (by the Washington Redskins, traded to the Cleveland Browns). He was the first black player drafted with the top pick.
- Senior Season Statistics (1961): Rushed for 823 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. Led Syracuse in pass receiving (16 catches for 157 yards).
- Collegiate Career: Syracuse Halfback.
- Tragedy: Died at age 23 after a battle with leukemia.
