Did Ernie Davis Play in the NFL?

Ernie Davis is a legendary figure in college football history. But did you know that he also played in the NFL?

Ernie Davis’ College Career

Ernie Davis was an All-American running back for Syracuse University from 1959 to 1961. He became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1962 NFL Draft, but he was diagnosed with leukemia before he could play a game in the NFL.

Ernie Davis’ Time at Syracuse

In his sophomore season, Davis rushed for 728 yards on 143 carries (a 5.1-yard average) and scored eight touchdowns, caught four passes for another 72 yards, and completed one of three passes for 23 yards and another touchdown. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 347 yards (a 31.5-yard average). That year, Syracuse went undefeated at 10-0 and won the national championship. In the national championship game against Texas, Davis shredded the Longhorns defense for 200 yards on 27 carries, as Syracuse won 1961 national title by a score of 23-14. For his efforts, Davis was named both the Walter Camp Award winner (given to college football’s player of the year) and the Heisman Trophy winner—becoming the first African American player to receive either award.

Ernie Davis’ Time in the NFL

Ernie Davis was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first overall pick of the 1962 NFL Draft. He was then traded to the Washington Redskins for Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Jackson. Davis never played a game for the Redskins, as he was diagnosed with leukemia soon after the trade and died without ever playing in the NFL.

Ernie Davis’ Death

Ernie Davis was an American football player who became the first African American to be drafted first overall in the NFL Draft. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 1962 and died of the disease in 1963, at the age of 23.

The Cause of Ernie Davis’ Death

Ernie Davis died on May 18, 1963, at the age of 23, from leukemia. He had been diagnosed with the disease in 1962, after collapsing during a game.

The Impact of Ernie Davis’ Death

The death of Ernie Davis was a huge blow to not just the NFL, but to the world of football as a whole. A talented and promising player, Davis was taken from us far too soon and his loss is still felt today.

As the first African American to be drafted first overall in the NFL draft, Davis was a trailblazer in the league. His death at the age of 23, just two years after being drafted, sent shockwaves through the football world.

Though he only played in 12 games in his brief NFL career, Davis left a lasting impact on those who knew him and those who watched him play. His sudden death brought attention to the issue of sickle cell anemia, which disproportionately affects African Americans.

In the years since his death, Davis has been memorialized in various ways. A movie was made about his life, titled “The Express,” and he was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame posthumously.

Ernie Davis will always be remembered as one of the greats of the game, and his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.