THE HEISMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY

1961 Ernie Davis Syracuse Halfback Ernie Davis of Syracuse, 6'2", 212-pounds played left halfback. He completed 1961 with 823 yards on 150 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He scored 15 touchdowns, totalling 94 points, and led Syracuse with 16 catches for 157 yards. He broke Jim Brown's rushing record with 3414 yards rushing, 220 points and 35 touchdowns. Davis was signed by Cleveland for then an astounding $80,000. He was struck with Leukemia before his first game. He died on May 18, 1963, after a 16-month battle for survival. He was the first Aferican-American to with the Heisman Trophy. Elected to the NFF&C Hall of Fame in 1979.

©2008 -- Courtesy Heisman Memorial Trophy Trust