Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Saturday night, college football’s highest individual award – the Heisman Trophy – will be presented to the 2011 honoree.
It will also mark 50 years since legendary Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis was presented with the award.
Davis broke down barriers as the first African-American to win the Heisman.
Another SU legend – Floyd Little – says Davis’ impact can still be felt a half century later.
His play on the field was legendary, but the Elmira native’s role in the civil rights movement left an even bigger mark on history when he broke down a color barrier.
“That’s huge because that’s something that you never expect,” Little said. “When he gets the Heisman Trophy, even the president – then John F. Kennedy – embraced that.”
Little followed in Davis’ footsteps when he wore the famous number 44 as a player for SU.
Initially, Little had 47 scholarship offers and his heart set on the Army. He never intended to attend SU. He changed his mind after a dinner with Davis, who had won the Heisman and earned a new NFL contract. Little told Davis that night that he would play for SU.
"Well of course I still hadn't made up my mind. Three months later he died, so I was like, oh boy I gave him my word, I don't own anything more valuable than my word so immediately, as the movie The Express showed, I called Schwartzwalder and said I'm coming,” Little said.
Davis’ story was eventually told in a Hollywood movie about his life, which was cut short by Leukemia – two years after he won the Heisman. Little says the award is historic, but notes it still took four more years before the next black player – Mike Garrett at USC – to win it again.
The Heisman Trophy that Ernie Davis was given is displayed in the football wing at the Manley Field House Complex. His mother donated it after his death.
“Everybody liked him, he would not have any negative thing to say about he being the first. He would say somebody had to be the first, and I'm glad that I was,” Little said.
Little, a pro and college football hall of famer, finished fifth in Heisman voting on two occasions. He says Davis helped pave the way for many who came after him.
Syracuse University will honor Davis at a 50th anniversary celebration in New York City tonight, featuring Little and other SU greats. The SU marching band will perform at the Heisman Memorial Trophy gala on Monday, where Davis will also be honored.
