ORB

2nd Quarter Outside Reading Book Review

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story by Robert C. Gallagher. Random House, Ink., New York, NY Genre: Biography

Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He played high school football in Elmira, New York and went on to Syracuse University to win a national championship in 1959. Davis was the number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft and he signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns. Davis never got to play in the NFL because he was diagnosed with leukemia the summer before his rookie season.
As a sophomore Ernie Davis led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, he earned his nickname the Elmira Express. Davis broke the rushing yards at Syracuse University. He showed great dignity and courage, and he inspired the nation.
In this book Ernie Davis has obstacles on and off the field. There were a lot of racist comments on the field and off. The comments stopped when he inspired the nation. He dealt with prejudice and leukemia and he still showed dignity and courage. This reminds me of the book Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado because the people have to overcome obstacles.
“Winning the Heisman Trophy,” he said, “is something you just dream about. You never think it could happen to you. Naturally I always wanted to win, but I never thought I would.” (93).
I really enjoyed reading this book. Ernie Davis was an outstanding football player and he showed courage throughout his life. Most importantly Ernie Davis was an example of a decent person. The author attended Syracuse University which made his choosing to write the Ernie Davis story that much more interesting.