October Legends Closing October 27,2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2018
Legendary Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis has signed this presentational football. Davis was the first African-American player to win the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual honor. Davis first broke out in 1959 after leading Syracuse to an undefeated 11-0 season, a 23-14 victory over Darrell Royal and the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, and the school’s only national championship in football.
Davis won the Heisman Trophy handily in 1961 after rushing for 823 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 150 carries. Davis added two receiving touchdowns and 157 receiving yards for Syracuse’s 8-3 team. Davis was selected with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft in 1962, but a tragic diagnosis of leukemia prevented Davis from ever appearing in an NFL game. Davis passed away due to complications of his disease in 1963, and in 1979 was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
This presentation football is constructed of three brown panels and one white panel, that has since toned to a pleasing cream color. The cream-colored panel has “Syracuse University / 1961 / All American / Heisman Trophy Winner” printed in black letters. Davis has signed this panel in black ballpoint pen. Please note that the first “E” in “Ernie” has been enhanced in an unknown hand, but the rest of Davis’ signature is unaffected. This football comes with a LOA from JSA (B74702).