The Express Movie

October 2, 2008 by Aubrey01 · Leave a Comment

Based on a true story, The Express follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to with the Heisman Trophy and led Syracuse to its first national championship in 1959. He was the first selection in the 1962 NFL draft, picked by the Cleveland Browns, but died of leukemia before playing a game in the NFL. His fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of American sports and his story continues to inspire new generations.

Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history.

President John F. Kennedy followed Davis’ career and in 1963, when Davis’ hometown of Elmira, N.Y. chose to celebrate his life, Kennedy sent a telegram, reading:

Teammates carry Ernie Davis in the

“Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It’s a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you.”

What about the view of Davis by people in today’s NFL? Bill Belichick recently spoke to 100 students about Ernie Davis and The Express. In a great article from Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, Belichick talked about Davis and is quoted as saying the following:

“It’s a sad story, because he was such a great player and such a great person, and loved by everybody,” said Belichick. “He never really got the chance to play pro football.

“When he was diagnosed, he had been asked a couple of times if he felt sorry for himself, was he mad about what happened, was it fair that it was happening to him? I thought what he said was very profound. He said, ‘I’m 23 years old, and I think I’ve lived a fuller life in my 23 years than most people do when they live their entire lives. I’ve had such great experiences in my life, so I don’t have any regrets.’

“That’s kind of the way he lived his life. It’s really a tremendous story.”