The Express cover art

The Express

The Ernie Davis Story

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

 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."©1999 Robert C. Gallagher (P)2008 Tantor Cultural & Regional Football (American) Sports

Editor reviews

In this audiobook, Robert Gallagher tells the brave and sad story of Ernie Davis, who was the first African-American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. Davis made a name for himself playing football for Syracuse University, but shortly after he was drafted into the NFL, Davis died of leukemia. Paul Boehmer keeps his performance simple, with unhurried pacing, so as to let this powerful story breathe. Meanwhile, his voice carries warmth and respect for this young athlete who died in his prime.
No reviews yet