Ernie Davis would have been 66 years old today.
Happy Birthday Ernie Davis!
12/14/2005 2:13:58 PM | Football
Ernie Davis, one of the most revered running backs in college football history and a bearer of the legendary number 44 at Syracuse, would have turned 66 years old today. Davis was born on Dec. 14 in 1939 in Uniontown, Pa.
Davis’ journey brought him to Syracuse University, where he became one of the greatest figures in the school’s history. He led the Orange to the National Championship game in his first season. Davis was named Cotton Bowl MVP in Syracuse’s 23-14 victory over Texas after he rushed for 57 yards and one touchdown and also had an 87-yard touchdown reception.
An All-America selection his junior and senior years, Davis averaged 7.8 yards per carry in 1960, which still stands as an SU record. He rushed for 877 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior season en route to becoming the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. He edged out Ohio State’s Bill Ferguson in what was the closest vote in Heisman history (824 points to 771).
Davis accumulated 2,386 yards during his three-year career, surpassing Jim Brown as the SU all-time leading rusher. The Washington Redskins drafted Davis first overall in the 1962 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns where he was supposed to team up with Brown. However, he died of leukemia before ever suiting up in the NFL.
The legendary number 44, worn by other great Orange running backs such as Jim Brown and Floyd Little, was retired by Syracuse on November 12, 2005. The number will hang from the rafters forever to remember the Orange greats that proudly carried that torch.
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