In 1961, Ernie Davis was at the top of his game. He fought a daily battle against racial inequality and struggled to prove his worth on the football field. Against the odds, Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy for his stellar performance at Syracuse University. Unfortunately, his war on the green was not the only one this young man would fight. At 23, he landed an NFL spot with the Cleveland Browns. But, he never made it to the field, having lost his battle with leukemia.
A true America hero, Ernie Davis’ life is immortalized in a film opening on October 10, “The Express” starring Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid. Rob Brown, who plays the part of Davis, has been serving as the 2008 Light The Night Walk Spokesman in honor of Davis’ battle. View the trailer here.
“Playing Davis has helped me understand that all blood cancer patients deserve to live better, longer lives,” explained Rob Brown. As Spokesman for The Light The Night Walk, he has helped many people understand just how precious life is and how easily cancer can cut it short. See his message to supporters here.
Whether you walking for your child, your grandmother, or a Heisman Trophy winner, remember that every step you take puts us one step closer to winning our fight against blood cancers. Thank you for walking!
