1959 was a transformative season for the Syracuse Orangemen football team. Led by effusive tailback Ernie Davis, soon to become the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner, the Syracuse team finished the season 11-0. Undefeated, ranked number one, and on top of the world, ‘Cuse earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl against Darrell Royal and the 9-1 Texas Longhorns. The Syracuse offense, spearheaded by Davis, came out swinging, as the powerful halfback caught an 87 yard touchdown pass from Gerhard Schewedes less than two minutes into the game. Syracuse dominated the rest of the game, which by many accounts resembled a street fight as much as a football contest, eventually hanging on to win by a score of 23-14. This was the first bowl win in the history of Syracuse football, and the Orangemen finished this dream season as National Champions.

     This Wilson Intercollegiate football has “Syracuse Univ. / National Champs / 1959 Cotton Bowl” and the final scoreline of the game, “Texas 14 Syracuse 23” painted in white on one panel. This football has been signed by over 40 members of the ’59 Orangemen, including Ernie Davis, head coach Benny Schwarzwalder, Art Baker, Bob Yates, Mark Weber, Roger Davis, Al Bemiller, Rick Pirra, Jim Saylor, Steve Novak, Glenn Gill, Dan Sullivan, Al Gerlick, and more. The signatures have been written in black marker. This item comes with a LOA from JSA (X01969).

Auction Notepad