Ernie Davis

Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy and had a promising football career before his untimely death from leukemia at the age of 23.

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Profession :

Football Player

Birthday :

December 14, 1939

Death Date:

May 18, 1963

Age :

23

Ernie Davis, a legendary figure in American football, was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Although his life was tragically cut short by leukemia at just 23 years old, he left a lasting impact on the sport. As a player for Syracuse University, he led the team to a national championship in 1959. Davis was a three-time All-American and was voted Most Valuable Player in both the 1960 Cotton Bowl and 1961 Liberty Bowl. Known for his humility and selflessness, he once intentionally fumbled the ball to allow a teammate to maintain the school’s rushing record. His inspiring story was later portrayed in the 2008 biopic film “The Express.”