Ernie Davis

Will Carpenter

Mrs. Thompson

HSE2: Period 4

May 21, 2014

Ernie Davis was going to face a lot of adversity when he arrived to play at the University of Syracuse and he knew it. He displayed the ability to persevere through anything during his time at Syracuse. "He followed the legendary Jim Brown to Syracuse University, where he led the Orangemen to a national championship in 1959, and in 1961 he became the first African American to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, given to the college game's best player". Ernie Davis had the option to go to a college somewhere else, where the racism wasn't as harsh. But he chose Syracuse, because he knew he would be changing the world for the better if he attended there. He was successful by being the first black man to win the Heisman trophy in the midst of all the racism. Persevering through things on the football field was one thing, but all through Ernie's childhood he had to face adversity. "That's why, when he was told of his terminal illness in the summer of 1962, he -- at least publicly -- seemed barely fazed. He'd get through it, just like he had when he overcame a once-ridiculed stammer. Like when he overcame racial insults and in-the-pile punches and pinches by Texas players in his dazzling 1960 Cotton Bowl appearance" Ernie Davis was a warrior of his time. He fought through the hard times of his childhood. And when it came to athletics he worked hard and fought against racism at the same time. Being the first black man to win the Heisman trophy he broke major ground for future black athletes.

While Ernie Davis was a very strong man, he was not at all a cocky one. He was a caring, respectful, friendly person. He made a great impression on kids and was a very likable person. His strong character just makes him an even better inspiration to us all. He was a great football player who also has a great attitude. "Ernie was just like a puppy dog, friendly and warm and kind. He had that spontaneous goodness about him. He radiated enthusiasm. His enthusiasm rubbed off on the kids. Oh, he'd knock you down, but then he'd run back and pick you up. We never had a kid so thoughtful and polite" Ernie Davis was a rare kind of football player, a dominating, yet kind player on the field. He was kind, but he'd still knock you out when it was time to. For all of Ernie Davis's life he faced adversity. This adversity shaped him into the person he was. It gave him the great character that he was known to have. There are many accounts of Ernie Davis displaying his kind, respectful character. Even the president at the time, John F Kennedy, recognized his talent and character. "Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It's a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you." This quote was pulled from the telegram JFK sent Ernie Davis when he was honored by his high school with a school holiday. JFK not only mentioned Davis's athletic talent, but his character. Ernie Davis constantly made an influence on younger kids as well as his teammates. Young ones could look up to him and his peers can learn from him. Ernie Davis caught everyone's eyes not only on the field, but off the field. His attitude says a lot about a man and Ernie Davis had a great one. Respectful and kind, just had overall great character. Davis will always be remembered for his athleticism, but he will be just as much remembered for his character.

Ernie Davis was one of a kind athlete. He had to persevere through hard times all through his life. Through it all he still managed to have unparalleled character, always respectful with a good attitude. Perseverance is what Ernie Davis showed when he had to overcome his stuttering. Its also what he showed when he fought against racism by playing great football. Character was displayed when he respected everyone he talked to and never lashed out at anyone even when he was discriminated against. Ernie Davis was a racial warrior of his time. He found a way through it all. He had that thing. Davis inspires us all with his perseverance and character. Davis personally inspires me to be a better person and drives me to be a great athlete. He also reminds me that you can persevere through anything. Ernie Davis was most likely one of the best running backs in history. He broke a lot of ground for African American athletes. He was the first black player to win the Heisman trophy and the first black player to be selected first overall in the NFL draft. He was drafted to the Cleveland Browns with his childhood hero Jim Brown. He persevered through all the hard times in his life and affected people's lives with his character. He was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 1963 and died later that year. But his memory will live on for many more years.