Earnest Davis was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania on December 14, 1939 and spent the early years of his life near the Pittsburgh area.  Davis lived with his grandparents until the age of 12 when he moved to Elmira, New York with his mother and stepfather.  Davis was an exceptional athlete from an early age, excelling at multiple sports.  He honed his athletic abilities playing in the Small Fry youth football league and engaging in athletics at the local community center (the Neighborhood House, known as the “Nabe”). 

 

Davis continued his football career in high school becoming Elmira’s player of the year and an
All-American in both his Junior and Senior years. Upon graduating from Elmira Free Academy, Davis enrolled at Syracuse University and quickly became the school’s star running back.  In 1961, Davis made history by becoming the first African-American to earn the prestigious Heisman Trophy.  Davis entered the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, but tragically was never able to fulfill his dreams of professional stardom.  At the age of 23, his life and legacy were cut short when he passed away from leukemia. 

 

The story of Ernie Davis stands as a beacon of hope for youth in the Elmira area, demonstrating that through adversity, hard work and perseverance dreams can prevail.  Ernie Davis was not only an exceptional athlete but also a loyal friend, a dedicated student, a strong member of the community, and a humanitarian.  In remembrance of the spirit of Ernie Davis, a community center was established in his name that provides the youth of  today an opportunity to chase their dreams. 

 

In 2008 the life story of Ernie Davis was depicted in the Hollywood film “The Express,” written by Charles Leavitt.