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Ernie Davis was an All-American on the gridiron, and a man of integrity off the field. A multi-sport high school star in Elmira, New York, Davis went on to Syracuse University, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname, the Elmira Express. Two seasons later, Davis had broken the legendary Jim Brown’s rushing records, and became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
The number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft, Davis signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns and appeared to be headed for professional stardom. But Davis never ended up playing in the NFL: He was diagnosed with leukemia during the summer before his rookie season and succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Davis showed great dignity and courage, inspired the nation, and moved President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as “ an outstanding man of great character.”
An enduring story of a true scholar-athlete, The Express is a touching, impeccably researched, deeply personal portrait of Ernie Davis, and a vivid look at sport in America at the dawn of the Civil Rights era.
This sports biography was first published in print in 1999 as Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express(Bartleby) and was reprinted as a Ballantine hardcover in September 2008. In it, Gallagher, a freelance sportswriter who also works for the Fairfax County Public Library, VA, tells the story of the 1950s Syracuse University star running back who signed with the Cleveland Browns after becoming the first African American ever to win football's Heisman Trophy. Before he was able to play a single game, however, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia, from which he died less than a year later. Reader Paul Boehmer (Moby Dick) was wisely cast for this performance-he has that youthful, intense voice associated with sports reporting. Recommended for libraries with extensive sports or football history collections and for those with a special interest in the Civil Rights Movement. [Made into a well-received 2008 movie starring Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown.-Ed.]
—Barbara Valle
While the film, The Express was very good, it like most movies from books does not do the book justice. I noticed how Hollywood took out how religious Ernie Davis was. This is a great book about a terrific young man. This book will inspire you, make you want to cherish your time on Earth, and it will also make you wonder why did this have to happen. However, be prepared to be sad, but at the same time, you will be proud of this young man, Ernie Davis.
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Posted November 17, 2009
The book The Express is about Ernie Davis. He played football for Syracuse and was an athlete from Elmira. Before his first game in the Nfl he died of Leukemia.The author is trying to teach us about a good man and a great athlete. This book would appeal to the Civil Rights because he was the 1st black to win the Heisman Trophy. This book is affected me because He showed people that anything is possible. My opinion has changed about this book because I thought it was just about an athlete, but it is way more then that. He was also a great man. If you like sports book, this one is for you. As you read, my adivce to you is keep your tears.
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Posted April 7, 2009
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Posted January 27, 2010
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Posted July 5, 2010
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Posted February 25, 2011
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Overview
“He could do it all, beat every opponent . . . except one.”–plaque honoring Ernie Davis, in the lobby of Elmira Free Academy
Ernie Davis was an All-American on the gridiron, and a man of integrity off the field. A multi-sport high school star in Elmira, New York, Davis went on to Syracuse University, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname, the Elmira Express. Two seasons later, Davis had broken the legendary Jim Brown’s rushing records, and became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
The number one pick in the 1962 ...