By Darin Glenn Woodward Davis was born on December 26, 1924, in Columbus, Georgia. His football journey, though interrupted by military service, established him as one of the most electric and accomplished players in the history of the sport, particularly for his legendary years at Army.
The 1946 Heisman Trophy winner, Glenn Davis, defined the term “Mr. Outside” as a pivotal member of the Army teams that secured three consecutive National Championships.
College Career
Davis’s time at the United States Military Academy (Army) from 1943 to 1946 is the stuff of legend. Known universally as “Mr. Outside,” Davis provided the slashing perimeter speed that complemented the power of Doc Blanchard (“Mr. Inside”) in Army’s famous backfield. Davis was instrumental in leading the Black Knights to an unprecedented three consecutive consensus National Championships (1944, 1945, 1946). His versatility was immense; he excelled as a running back, defensive back, and punter. His incredible performance culminated in him winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1946.
Road to the Pro Game
Due to the mandatory military service required of West Point graduates, Davis’s entry into professional football was significantly delayed. He was selected first overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1947 NFL Draft, but he spent several years fulfilling his commitments. His professional career finally began in 1950 when he joined the Los Angeles Rams. His NFL career was brief, lasting only three seasons (1950–1952), primarily due to accumulated injuries and his service obligations. Nevertheless, he contributed to the Rams team that captured the 1951 NFL Championship.
Football Legacy
Glenn Davis is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football players of all time. His iconic partnership with Doc Blanchard remains the benchmark for dominant college backfields, defining the Army powerhouse era of the mid-1940s. He set multiple NCAA records during his career, though many were later broken. His legacy transcends stats, embodying the ideal of the student-athlete committed to both elite performance and service to country. Following his playing days, he completed his service obligation in the U.S. Air Force.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Heisman Trophy: 1946
- Maxwell Award: 1946
- Consensus All-American: 1944, 1945, 1946
- National Champion: 1944, 1945, 1946
- Professional Team: Los Angeles Rams (1950-1952)
- NFL Champion: 1951 (Los Angeles Rams)
- College Career (Approximate): 4,129 all-purpose yards and 59 touchdowns.
- Professional Career (NFL): 3 seasons played, 643 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns.
In conclusion, Glenn Davis’s athletic achievements are remarkable given the demands of West Point and his military duties. “Mr. Outside” remains a towering figure in football history, representing an era of dominance and dedication rarely seen in the sport.
