“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 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.

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

Biographies & Memoirs

Gallagher, Robert C.

Community & Culture

Ballantine Books

Here, in this special anniversary edition, is the original, enduring story of Ernie Davis as told by those who were closest to him.The basis for the Universal Pictures film The Express, Robert C. Gallagher s definitive biography is a story of outstanding athletic achievement and greatness. And it is a tale of unusual courage in facing a grave illness. Most of all, it is the account of a remarkable young man who inspired all who knew him.As a sophomore, Ernie Davis led an undefeated Syracuse football team to its first National Championship and to victory in the Cotton Bowl. His brilliant performances continued throughout the remainder of his college years. He became a consensus All-American, surpassing the legendary Jim Brown s rushing records. The number-one draft pick in the 1962 NFL draft, he signed a record rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns and seemed destined for professional stardom. However, he never played a down in the NFL. That summer, he was diagnosed with leukemia. His lifelong dream would remain unfulfilled when he succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Ernie continued to show the dignity and heart of a champion, becoming an inspiration to the nation and moving President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as "an outstanding man of great character".Ernie Davis almost certainly would have made his mark in professional football. But it was not his football achievements alone that made his life unforgettable. Instead, it was his unique personal qualities that are most vividly remembered.The description from the cover of the 1983 edition explained best the significance of this book and its full and rich portrayal of the life of Ernie Davis: "Until now the inspiration of Ernie s short but remarkable life could only be enjoyed by those who knew him personally. However, with the publication of Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express it is here for all of us to savor." The basis for the Universal Pictures film “The Express” , Robert C. Gallagher's definitive biography is a story of outstanding athletic achievement and greatness. And it is a tale of unusual courage in facing a grave illness. Most of all, it is the account of a remarkable young man who inspired all who knew him. As a sophomore, Ernie Davis led an undefeated Syracuse football team to its first National Championship and to victory in the Cotton Bowl. His brilliant performances continued throughout the remainder of his college years. He became a consensus All-American, surpassing the legendary Jim Brown's rushing records. In 1961, Davis was awarded the Heisman Trophy, the annual award given to the best collegiate football player in the country. It was the first time in history that this prestigious award was presented to an African American. The number-one draft pick in the 1962 NFL draft, he signed a record rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns and seemed destined for professional stardom. However, he never played a down in the NFL. That summer, he was diagnosed with leukemia. His lifelong dream would remain unfulfilled when he succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Ernie continued to show the dignity and heart of a champion, becoming an inspiration to the nation and moving President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as “an outstanding man of great character.” Ernie Davis almost certainly would have made his mark in professional football. But it was not his football achievements alone that made his life unforgettable. Instead, it was his unique personal qualities that are most vividly remembered. The description from the cover of the 1983 edition explained best the significance of this book and its full and rich portrayal of the life of Ernie Davis: “Until now the inspiration of Ernie's short but remarkable life could only be enjoyed by those who knew him personally. However, with the publication of Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express it is here for all of us to savor.”

Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, the Story of a Heisman Trophy Winner

Historical

Bartleby Pr

Presents the life and career of the legendary football star who broke Jim Brown's rushing records and became the first black athlete to win the Heisman Trophy, highlighting his athletic career and his battle with the leukemia that would take his life.

Ernie Davis, the Elmira Express: The Story of a Heisman Trophy Winner

Here, in this special anniversary edition, is the original, enduring story of Ernie Davis as told by those who were closest to him. The basis for the Universal Pictures film The Express, Robert C. Gallagher s definitive biography is a story of outstanding athletic achievement and greatness. And it is a tale of unusual courage in facing a grave illness. Most of all, it is the account of a remarkable young man who inspired all who knew him. As a sophomore, Ernie Davis led an undefeated Syracuse football team to its first National Championship and to victory in the Cotton Bowl. His brilliant performances continued throughout the remainder of his college years. He became a consensus All-American, surpassing the legendary Jim Brown s rushing records. The number-one draft pick in the 1962 NFL draft, he signed a record rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns and seemed destined for professional stardom. However, he never played a down in the NFL. That summer, he was diagnosed with leukemia. His lifelong dream would remain unfulfilled when he succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Ernie continued to show the dignity and heart of a champion, becoming an inspiration to the nation and moving President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as "an outstanding man of great character". Ernie Davis almost certainly would have made his mark in professional football. But it was not his football achievements alone that made his life unforgettable. Instead, it was his unique personal qualities that are most vividly remembered. The description from the cover of the 1983 edition explained best the significance of this book and its full and rich portrayal of the life of Ernie Davis: "Until now the inspiration of Ernie s short but remarkable life could only be enjoyed by those who knew him personally. However, with the publication of Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express it is here for all of us to savor." The basis for the Universal Pictures film “The Express” , Robert C. Gallagher's definitive biography is a story of outstanding athletic achievement and greatness. And it is a tale of unusual courage in facing a grave illness. Most of all, it is the account of a remarkable young man who inspired all who knew him. As a sophomore, Ernie Davis led an undefeated Syracuse football team to its first National Championship and to victory in the Cotton Bowl. His brilliant performances continued throughout the remainder of his college years. He became a consensus All-American, surpassing the legendary Jim Brown's rushing records. In 1961, Davis was awarded the Heisman Trophy, the annual award given to the best collegiate football player in the country. It was the first time in history that this prestigious award was presented to an African American. The number-one draft pick in the 1962 NFL draft, he signed a record rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns and seemed destined for professional stardom. However, he never played a down in the NFL. That summer, he was diagnosed with leukemia. His lifelong dream would remain unfulfilled when he succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Ernie continued to show the dignity and heart of a champion, becoming an inspiration to the nation and moving President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as “an outstanding man of great character.” Ernie Davis almost certainly would have made his mark in professional football. But it was not his football achievements alone that made his life unforgettable. Instead, it was his unique personal qualities that are most vividly remembered. The description from the cover of the 1983 edition explained best the significance of this book and its full and rich portrayal of the life of Ernie Davis: “Until now the inspiration of Ernie's short but remarkable life could only be enjoyed by those who knew him personally. However, with the publication of Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express it is here for all of us to savor.”

Bartleby Press

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 broke 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 who consistently served as an inspiration."

Tantor Audio

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 broke 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 who consistently served as an inspiration."

Tantor Media, Inc.

Grandfather Sees Far

Literature & Fiction

Action & Adventure

AuthorHouse

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Gallagher, Robert C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Gallagher, Robert C.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Gallagher, Robert C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, the Story of a Heisman Trophy Winner

Ernie Davis, the Elmira Express: The Story of a Heisman Trophy Winner

Ernie Davis, the Elmira Express: The Story of a Heisman Trophy Winner

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

Grandfather Sees Far