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| Ernie's Sports Career |
He played football, basketball, and baseball is high school. On the football field he was known as the "Elmira Express". Many people believed that Ernie had a great career ahead of him in all the sports that he played.
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| College Level |
Ernie Davis enrolled at Syracuse University in the Fall of 1958. Here he "enjoyed a measure of prestige on the athletic field which was not transferred to daily campus life". The times were hard and racism was still very active. Even when he was refused to be served in a restaurant after winning the Heisman Trophy, he did not get angry, but simply stated "you can't fight prejudice like that".
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| Heisman Trophy |
Ernie was the first black player to be honored by receiving the Heisman Trophy in December of 1961. His character of humility shown through as he responded "Though it's the thrill of a lifetime, I'm not forgetting the many people who helped me win it."  |
| All American |
Most people would go on to tell you about how Ernie won the title as All-American in 1961, but it was more than football. When we think All-American as it refers to Ernie, it's because he overcame the prejudice of his time through his humility, strength of striving to be the best, and his wisdom to surround himself with good counsel. He was always asking "what can I do for you" as his coaches remember. The concept of volunteering is truly all American, and Ernie was always putting others first through volunteering his time and energy both on and off the field. |
| NFL - CLEVELAND BROWNS |
Ernie was the 1961 draft pick for the Cleveland Browns.
Upon Ernie's death, Art Modell chartered a plane so the Cleveland Browns players and officials could attend his funeral. Only someone who is deeply loved would get such treatment. |
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