Ernie Davis

One hero I can think of is Ernie Davis. Ernie Davis was an African American football player in a "white" neighborhood. He played football as a kid. While he was playing, he had to deal with the other kids abusing him and making racist comments about him. He talked to his mom about quitting but she inspired him to keep playing even with the racism. Ernie was a courageous and grateful person, who didn't get to live a full life.

I chose Ernie Davis as my hero because he did what he wanted to do even with all the racism and abuse. He had skills even as young boy. In college, he had a great career. During his senior season at Syracuse, he showed his real skill. At the end of the season, he became the first African American to become the Heisman Trophy winner. All the racism bothered him, but as long as he was having a good time, he continued what he liked to do.

Since I play football and it is my favorite sport, Davis has inspired me. He inspired me not to care what others think or do. I should do what I want to do. He taught me to always keep going and never give up. If Davis gave up, college and professional football might not be the same as they are today. Davis was a great football player who did what he wanted to do and didn't care what others thought of him.

After his college career, Ernie entered the NFL draft. In the first round of the draft, the Cleveland Browns drafted him. Sadly, Ernie Davis didn't get to play a single professional football game. He died of Leukemia at age 23. He inspired many other African Americans to play football and he changed the sport forever.

Ernie Davis was a great person and athlete. He lived a great life and was missed in the NFL. Who knows what other great things Ernie would have done if he didn't die young.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RLR2Yd6Dies/SOFGTnvhTmI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Y_WA6vGhC3w/s400/ed1.jpg.

"Young Athlete" biography.jrank.org Net Industries 7 December 2005. February 2010 http://biography.jrank.org/pages/2399/Dlavis-Ernie.html.

"Ernie Davis" 8 March 2004 www.cityofelmira.net City February 2010 of Elmira http://www.cityofelmira.net/history/ernie_davis.html .