Ernie Davis is one of the greatest “What Ifs?” in pro football history, a transcendent talent at Syracuse who lost his battle with leukemia before he got a chance to play in the pros. The first African-American winner of the Heisman Trophy, Davis was the number one selection in the 1962 Draft by the Washington Redskins. However, due to the Redskins discriminatory practices at the time, Davis demanded a trade that sent him to the Cleveland Browns in late 1961. Tragically, Davis’ diagnosis of leukemia was confirmed in the summer of 1962, and prevented him from appearing for the team in an NFL game. Davis bravely fought the disease for the next year before he passed away on May 18th, 1963.

     This check is one of the few payroll checks given to Davis from the Browns. It is dated to February 18th, 1963. The check, which is for $210.00, has the signatures of two representatives of the Browns written on the front in black pen. A “Paid” stamp is located on the front of the check. Davis signed the reverse side of the check, also in black pen. This item has been encapsulated, and Davis’ signature has been graded a MINT 9 by PSA/DNA (83172876).

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