LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION urging the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to
issue a commemorative stamp in honor of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), the
first African-American Heisman Trophy winner, who died from leukemia at
the age of 24

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York and
the United States to recognize and acknowledge those exceptional
athletes whose skills, character and life's accomplishments served to
inspire us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to urge
the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a commemorative stamp in
honor of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), the first African-American Heisman
Trophy winner who died tragically from acute leukemia at the age of 24;
and
WHEREAS, Ernie Davis was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania, in 1939, and
moved to Elmira, New York at the age of 12; Ernie played sports from a
very young age, including the Superior Buick Team in Elmira's Small Fry
Football League and basketball at the Neighborhood House; he was a Small
Fry All-Star in 1952 and 1953 and a grade school all-star; and
WHEREAS, During his high school years at the Elmira Free Academy, he
was chosen first team All-Southern Tier Conference in all three varsity
seasons - football, basketball and baseball; in both his junior and
senior years he was chosen as Elmira Player of the Year and High School
All-American; in addition to his outstanding sports record, Ernie
excelled in his studies; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Davis was offered scholarships from over 50 schools;
this was at a time when many colleges did not offer scholarships to
African-American players; but wanting to be close to his family, Ernie
chose to attend Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, In his sophomore year he was on the varsity football squad
and led the team to earning its first national championship and first
bowl victory; he was named the Cotton Bowl game's Most Valuable Player;
and
WHEREAS, In both his junior year and his senior year, Ernie was named
All-American; bringing Syracuse to another bowl win, he was named Most
Valuable Player in the Liberty Bowl game in 1961; and
WHEREAS, One of his most prestigious accomplishments was receiving the
Heisman Trophy in 1961; this trophy is a significant award for any
athlete to receive; however, it was history when Ernie received the
trophy as he was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy;
and
WHEREAS, With Ernie's outstanding college record, wearing the famous
No. 44 as a Syracuse running back, he was the number one pick for the
1962 National Football League draft; he had an offer from the AFL
Buffalo Bills, but because Ernie wanted to play in the NFL he took the
offer from the Cleveland Browns even though the contract paid less than
the Buffalo Bills contract offer; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, Ernie Davis never played a game for the Cleve-
land Browns; he was diagnosed with acute leukemia in July of 1962, and
died on May 18, 1963; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Davis was elected to the National Football Foundation
and College Hall of Fame in 1979; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, the movie, "The Express" was released based on the
true life story of Ernie Davis; although he led a short life, he touched
many people during his years and the movie continues to inspire the new
generation; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Davis had many accomplishments including one recognized
by his many friends, coaches, teammates, teachers and sportswriters and
that was he was an outstanding athlete but he was also a sincere indi-
vidual who was compassionate and who loved everyone and in turn, every-
one loved him; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Davis proved himself over and over again as an individ-
ual of great talent and sincere dedication to the game of football
through his many outstanding individual performances as well as his
exemplary moral fiber; it is the hope of this Legislative Body, repres-
enting the people of his home, this great Empire State, that the energy
and compassion of Ernie Davis' spirit and life's successes demonstrate
that it is altogether both fitting and proper to pay tribute to his
legacy as an example and role model for future generations of America;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee be and hereby is
respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to issue a commemora-
tive stamp in honor of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), the first African-Ameri-
can Heisman Trophy winner, who died from leukemia at the age of 24; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee.