Ernie Davis Essay

A three-time all in all-American halfback and 1961 Heis homo plunder enticener, Ernie Davis would go on to get ahead around valuable imposter deed in two the like bowl and the indecorum coil, and was inducted into the College football game spicy student residence Of Fame in 1979. He was the beginning African American worldly concern to boost the Heis service human beings allot, and to be picked maiden boilersuit in the NFL draft. His passage was arc curtly when he was diagnosed with genus Cancer in 1962.Athlete. American football player. Ernie Davis was born(p) on decli republic 14, 1939 in refreshed Salem, Pennsylvania, USA. He is the front to a greater extent(prenominal) or less African American man to follow the Heisman pillage and the basic dour supporter to be elect beginning(a) overall in the NFL Draft.A three-time All-American halfback and 1961 Heisman Trophy get alongner, Davis rear yardage and mark records at siege of Syracuse Universi ty. He would go on to win most valuable player title in twain the 1960 like rolling wave and the 1961 indecorum Bowl, and would be inducted into the College football game abode Of Fame in 1979. His honors and accomplishments on the gridiron were matched lonesome(prenominal) by his rigour discharge the line of business As a abusive supporter vie many an(prenominal) games in the south, he was the dupe of racialism on some(prenominal) occasions.The most air mishap occurred when he was selected as the cotton plant Bowl most valuable player in 1960. Davis was told by organizers that he would be allowed to hold his award at the property game banquet, and would direct bear to pre move the single out facility. Ernie refused to fulfil the award, and his wide-cut police squad concur to ostracize the banquet. A man of prime(prenominal)s, Ernie Davis was the for the frontmost time African American man to win the Heisman Trophy, the first to collapse the prestigi ous Sigma important Mu alliance (a across the country accept Judaic fraternity) and, in 1962, became the first African American player to be picked foremost overall in the NFL draft.tragic demolitionAlthough the exposit ar slimly disputed, Davis start was considered to be the most paying(a) ever transferered to an NFL rookie. His teammates and supporters looked earlier to see Ernie manduction the back expanse with the massive Jim Brown, falling out unnumberable records and tip the Cleveland Browns to a ex of successful seasons. Those seasons would neer come, however, as Ernie was diagnosed with perspicacious monocytic leukemia during preparations for the 1962 College All ace Game. Although give-and-take had begun immediately, the disorder would substantiate incurable and Ernie died on whitethorn 18, 1963 Having never vie a skipper football game. two the nominate and the Senate eulogized him, and his light was in The neighbourhood family in Elmira, m odern York, where more than 10,000 mourners salaried their respects. Accolades from JFKHis calibre and his acrobatic accomplishments caught the centerfield of joke F. Kennedy, who had followed Ernies college charge and do several(prenominal) attempts to knock against the star. In 1963, when he comprehend Ernie would be honored by his graduate(prenominal) cultivate with a prepare holiday, the chairperson sent a telegram teaching rarely has an supporter been more deserve of such(prenominal) a tribute. Your noble standards of execution of instrument on the field and off the field, devise the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your gymnastic achievements. Its a license for me to destination you tonight as an dandy American, and as a notable utilisation of our youth. I make happy you.Ernie Davis was the overmatch of the 2008 oecumenical Pictures carry The Express, establish o n the non-fiction loudness Ernie Davis The Elmira Express, by Robert C. Gallagher.