Hall of Fame
Ernie Davis is one of the most accomplished athletes ever in New York State. Born in Pennsylvania, Mr. Davis grew up in Elmira, New York where he received 11 high school letters; four each in basketball and baseball, and three in football, while attending Elmira Free Academy (EFA). Following his senior year in 1958, Mr. Davis was named High School All American in football and basketball. He continued his schooling and athletic career at Syracuse University.
His college career was filled with athletic accolades including winning the Heisman Trophy in 1961. He was named the MVP of the 1960 Cotton Bowl where he caught and ran for an 87-yard touchdown—still a Cotton Bowl record. During his junior and senior years at Syracuse, Mr. Davis earned All-America status as a halfback.
Nicknamed the “Elmira Express” by former sports editor, Al Mallette of the Star-Gazette, Mr. Davis stayed true to the name by rushing for 2,386 yards in 300 attempts while scoring 35 touchdowns. Winning the Heisman marked the first time that a New Yorker was awarded this prestigious honor. Mr. Davis graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1962.
On December 4, 1961, Mr. Davis was the first pick in the NFL draft. He was selected by the Washington Redskins, but soon after traded to the Cleveland Browns. Mr. Davis made history again by signing a three-year $200,000 contract—the largest deal for a rookie ever. Sadly, Mr. Davis never got the opportunity to play professional football. He lost his battle with cancer on May 18, 1963 at the age of 23.
Mr. Davis has been inducted to the Section IV Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, the EFA Sports Hall of Fame, the EFA Academic Hall of Fame and the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame. In memory of Mr. Davis a park, a middle school, a community center and a scholarship all bear his name.