2019 Winter Auction Closing March 2
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2019
The legendary Ernie Davis has signed this Syracuse University presentational football. Davis led Syracuse to their first, and only, national title in 1959, an undefeated season that ended with a resounding defeat of Darrell Royal and the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Later in his collegiate career, Davis became the first African-American football player to claim the prestigious Heisman Trophy, defeating Ohio State standout Bob Ferguson in a close race in 1961. Davis was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 1962, however Davis was felled by leukemia before he could play in a NFL game. Ernie Davis was 23 years old.
This Wilson football features a white autograph panel signed by Davis in blue pen. Painted on the football in blue and orange lettering is “Ernie Davis / 1961 Heisman Trophy / Career: 2386 YDS. Rushing * 6.8 YDS. Per Carry * 28 TD’s”. On the panel south of the autograph panel is “Syracuse”, painted on the football in blue and orange lettering. This stunning football comes with a LOA from JSA (Z87971).