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The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
“He could do it all, beat every opponent . . . except one.”
–plaque honoring Ernie Davis, in the lobby of Elmira Free Academy
Ernie Davis was an All-American on the gridiron, and a man of integrity off the field. A multi-sport high school star in Elmira, New York, Davis went on to Syracuse University, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname, the Elmira Express. Two seasons later, Davis had broken the legendary Jim Brown’s rushing records, and became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
The number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft, Davis signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns and appeared to be headed for professional stardom. But Davis never ended up playing in the He was diagnosed with leukemia during the summer before his rookie season and succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Davis showed great dignity and courage, inspired the nation, and moved President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as “ an outstanding man of great character.”
An enduring story of a true scholar-athlete, The Express is a touching, impeccably researched, deeply personal portrait of Ernie Davis, and a vivid look at sport in America at the dawn of the Civil Rights era.
–plaque honoring Ernie Davis, in the lobby of Elmira Free Academy
Ernie Davis was an All-American on the gridiron, and a man of integrity off the field. A multi-sport high school star in Elmira, New York, Davis went on to Syracuse University, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname, the Elmira Express. Two seasons later, Davis had broken the legendary Jim Brown’s rushing records, and became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
The number one pick in the 1962 NFL draft, Davis signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns and appeared to be headed for professional stardom. But Davis never ended up playing in the He was diagnosed with leukemia during the summer before his rookie season and succumbed to the disease less than a year later. In battling his illness, Davis showed great dignity and courage, inspired the nation, and moved President John F. Kennedy to eulogize him as “ an outstanding man of great character.”
An enduring story of a true scholar-athlete, The Express is a touching, impeccably researched, deeply personal portrait of Ernie Davis, and a vivid look at sport in America at the dawn of the Civil Rights era.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
28 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 1, 2016
This book is far from well-written, but it's a quick, easy read and the story is amazing.
Ernie Davis was raised in my hometown, and is a hero there. I was pleasantly surprised to read this book and find out that Elmira, NY, as a community is a far better place than I ever believed.
It's a horrible shame that Davis died so young. I believe, with his intelligence, character and drive, that he would have accomplished great things had he lived.
Ernie Davis was raised in my hometown, and is a hero there. I was pleasantly surprised to read this book and find out that Elmira, NY, as a community is a far better place than I ever believed.
It's a horrible shame that Davis died so young. I believe, with his intelligence, character and drive, that he would have accomplished great things had he lived.
February 13, 2018
The subject of this book was worth more stars than one can give but I’m subtracting one star for the writing and the narration of the audio book to which I listened. But Ernie Davis! Now he was an amazing human being! His athletic abilities were fabulous but he was so much more. I do believe the world would be a better place if he had lived. What a sad story. I think I need to take a trip to Syracuse.
March 5, 2009
The inspiring story of Ernie Davis, the Syracuse University football player and scholar who overcame insurmountable odds and was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. President Kennedy was a fan of Davis and called to congratulate him on winning the trophy.
January 25, 2020
My book was “The Express” by Robert Gallagher was an autobiography about the short but amazing life of Ernie Davis. He was an all American football player who attended the high school Elmira Free Academy which is now named after Davis now ”Ernie Davis Academy” in Elmira, NY at this high school Davis was an all American meaning he was at the top of his football and basketball class. This book doesn't just talk about how good of an athlete Davis was but how good of a person and student-athlete he was throughout the book people share touching stories about how kind and respectful he was for others he never let anyone get picked on around and was always helpful to ones who weren't ass talented as him. After high school Davis choose to go to Syracuse University which was very close to home, he chose to go there because of his football idol Jim Brown who was another great football player who attended the same college. Davis sophomore year he led his team to an undefeated season and won a national championship, his jr and senior year he was named all American for football and basketball.In 1961 he was the first African American to win a Heismann trophy. I would recommend this book to someone who likes to read sports books, books about great athletes, or peoples success stories.
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January 17, 2022Following the death of baseball legend Hank Aaron in January 2021, I picked up my first sports biography, Hank Aaron: Home Run Hero this time last year. When planning for my January TBR this year, I knew I wanted to include another sports biography, a tradition I hope to continue each January. My partner, being the Cleveland Browns fan that he is, recommended Ernie Davis.
The Express: The Ernie Davis Story tells the tale of All-American and Heisman Trophy recipient Ernie Davis and his upbringing in Elmira, NY to his collegiate career at Syracuse University, then his untimely death due to leukemia. Ernie Davis is remembered for his courage, integrity, and great character on and off the field. Not the best audiobook I've ever listened to, but the story was impactful nonetheless.
The Express: The Ernie Davis Story tells the tale of All-American and Heisman Trophy recipient Ernie Davis and his upbringing in Elmira, NY to his collegiate career at Syracuse University, then his untimely death due to leukemia. Ernie Davis is remembered for his courage, integrity, and great character on and off the field. Not the best audiobook I've ever listened to, but the story was impactful nonetheless.
December 10, 2017
Ernie Davis was an amazing inspiration and mentor to young and old, crossing all racial boundaries. He was the first African American to ever win the Heisman Trophy, and the first NFL player to ever have their number retired before they ever played a professional game. The author does an wonderful job in conveying the events of Ernie's rise to national popularity, and chronicling the life of this incredible athlete. A great biography.
October 11, 2024
The story of Ernie Davis is definitely a sad one. “The Express” is a fine retelling of the life and times of Ernie Davis and at times makes the reader wonder if the true story is being told. Davis’ young death is definitely tragic and his inability to play in the NFL at all drastically shortens the material available for the author to discuss. The reader is left wondering “is this guy for real” as all of the people interviewed about Davis had nothing but positive things to say. Unfortunately, this leaves the story a bit vanilla.
February 2, 2018
I had never heard of Ernie Davis until I saw the film about him. I just had to read the book! Everyone should know what a wonderful person he was, aside from his athletic abilities.
The book I read was, I believe, written more for high school people than adults, but I found it heartwarming that both his hometown of Elmira and Syracuse University have and continue to honor his memory in many ways.
The book I read was, I believe, written more for high school people than adults, but I found it heartwarming that both his hometown of Elmira and Syracuse University have and continue to honor his memory in many ways.
March 21, 2017
To have the respect and admiration from a sports community is a feat rarely achieved. The life of Ernie Davis is a humble life that earned him his place in the hearts of many.
April 20, 2021
Ernie Davis was a legend in all aspects of the word. It’s shame more people don’t know about his story.
June 30, 2023
The facts and stories about Ernie Davis are wonderful, but the overall book is underwhelming. I am thankful it was a quick read.
March 25, 2017
Read by: Harland Groves
This book tells about the life of Ernie Davis and how he lived. Ernie never talked about himself; he was always worried about other people. Ernie was also a phenomenal football player, but he died before he ever got to play in the NFL. This is a really good book.
This book tells about the life of Ernie Davis and how he lived. Ernie never talked about himself; he was always worried about other people. Ernie was also a phenomenal football player, but he died before he ever got to play in the NFL. This is a really good book.
May 1, 2014
How did you pick this book?
I had heard about the book and I wanted to read about it but never got to it. But then Mrs peters brought it in and told it to us and i wanted it so I checked it out.
The setting of the book?
The setting takes place between 1939 and 1963 in Pennsylvania, New york and Ohio. Pennsylvania because he was born there and spent his childhood there. New york because he was drafted in the city there, and Ohio because he died there.
The conflict of the book?
The conflict of the book is that Ernie davis had to prove to everyone that he was just as good as the white players.
Is the character or dynamic or static?
He is dynamic because he is the only character in the book (besides the people talking about him), He overcomes something that seemed impossible, which was the African-american sports boundary.
3 character traits to describe the main character:
I would say that Ernie is Brave, courageous, and willing.
Thomas Jensen
Theme of this book?
Ernie davis grew up to play football and was good at it too. But everyone did not approve of him because he was African-american. All the time white people that watched college football would say that he sucks because he is a n, but he would play a great game and prove them wrong. He became the first African- american to win the Heisman trophy. But his life was cut short do to leukemia but he overcame it but it came back and killed him.
Reading strategies (3):
Predict: I didn’t do a lot of predicting in this book since it told you everything that was going to happen.
Visualize: I did a good amount of predicting because it did a great job of telling you what was going on at the moment and would let you get into this book.
monitor: THis book was a little hard to follow because it would switch back and forth from childhood to adulthood.
What did you think about the book?
I loved the book and I might want to see the movie now but in general i would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
I had heard about the book and I wanted to read about it but never got to it. But then Mrs peters brought it in and told it to us and i wanted it so I checked it out.
The setting of the book?
The setting takes place between 1939 and 1963 in Pennsylvania, New york and Ohio. Pennsylvania because he was born there and spent his childhood there. New york because he was drafted in the city there, and Ohio because he died there.
The conflict of the book?
The conflict of the book is that Ernie davis had to prove to everyone that he was just as good as the white players.
Is the character or dynamic or static?
He is dynamic because he is the only character in the book (besides the people talking about him), He overcomes something that seemed impossible, which was the African-american sports boundary.
3 character traits to describe the main character:
I would say that Ernie is Brave, courageous, and willing.
Thomas Jensen
Theme of this book?
Ernie davis grew up to play football and was good at it too. But everyone did not approve of him because he was African-american. All the time white people that watched college football would say that he sucks because he is a n, but he would play a great game and prove them wrong. He became the first African- american to win the Heisman trophy. But his life was cut short do to leukemia but he overcame it but it came back and killed him.
Reading strategies (3):
Predict: I didn’t do a lot of predicting in this book since it told you everything that was going to happen.
Visualize: I did a good amount of predicting because it did a great job of telling you what was going on at the moment and would let you get into this book.
monitor: THis book was a little hard to follow because it would switch back and forth from childhood to adulthood.
What did you think about the book?
I loved the book and I might want to see the movie now but in general i would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
December 17, 2013
I Chose to read, The express the story of Ernie Davis, as my biography when the librarian came into class to recommend books for us.
The title “Express” was his nickname he earned being known as a hard tough runner.
The author wrote this book to inform the world of Ernies great but short life that was tragically cut short.
People that would read this book would be sports lovers that would like to know more and like to hear about the possibilities of what could have happened in his life after his graduation.
This book is all about perseverance and equal rights the way Ernie was able to break that barrier.
The first fact is that i didn’t know he had as much support from whites that he did to win the heisman. Also that Ernie had a really bad speech issue where he would stutter and he practiced at that all the time until he could say every word he was challenged with without stuttering. Finally that Ernie played three sports and led syracuse to there only national championship his senior year in 1961
I believe that the theme in this story is perseverance to no matter the odds and doubts of others never give up and accomplish what you can in the short life you are given.
Monitoring was a reading strategy i used during the book to recap and understand what i just read as i was not used to reading a non fiction style book. Visualization is a reading tool I used to better understand what he was describing. Using my prior knowledge about Ernie Davis i already knew that he died of cancer before living out his lifelong dream to play in the NFL.
I wasn’t really a huge fan of this book i thought it was kind of long and boring, unlike the life of Ernie davis. I would however recommend it to a friends just to learn the life of Ernie especially if they have an assignment like this.
The title “Express” was his nickname he earned being known as a hard tough runner.
The author wrote this book to inform the world of Ernies great but short life that was tragically cut short.
People that would read this book would be sports lovers that would like to know more and like to hear about the possibilities of what could have happened in his life after his graduation.
This book is all about perseverance and equal rights the way Ernie was able to break that barrier.
The first fact is that i didn’t know he had as much support from whites that he did to win the heisman. Also that Ernie had a really bad speech issue where he would stutter and he practiced at that all the time until he could say every word he was challenged with without stuttering. Finally that Ernie played three sports and led syracuse to there only national championship his senior year in 1961
I believe that the theme in this story is perseverance to no matter the odds and doubts of others never give up and accomplish what you can in the short life you are given.
Monitoring was a reading strategy i used during the book to recap and understand what i just read as i was not used to reading a non fiction style book. Visualization is a reading tool I used to better understand what he was describing. Using my prior knowledge about Ernie Davis i already knew that he died of cancer before living out his lifelong dream to play in the NFL.
I wasn’t really a huge fan of this book i thought it was kind of long and boring, unlike the life of Ernie davis. I would however recommend it to a friends just to learn the life of Ernie especially if they have an assignment like this.
June 11, 2015
The Express: The Ernie Davis story is a very fascinating book written by Robert C. Gallagher. The book is a biography about a very talented football player named Ernie Davis and his career. Ernie Davis enrolls in a Small Fry Football League and excels on the field as a running back.Several years later, Syracuse University football head coach Ben Schwartzwalder searches for a running back to address the absence of Jim Brown. Schwartzwalder is impressed with Davis after viewing footage of him playing for Elmira Free Academy and Schwartzwalder convinces Ernie to sign with Syracuse.
At the start of the 1959 college football season, Davis immediately excels playing for the varsity team, to lead Syracuse to victories over several college football teams. After Syracuse defeats UCLA to conclude the regular season undefeated, the team decides by choice to play the 2nd ranked Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic. During the game on January 1, 1960, Davis boldly attempts to lead his team to victory but is hampered by an injured leg and biased officiating. Towards the end of the game, Davis scores a crucial touchdown to preserve a Syracuse lead. The match up concludes with a victory for Syracuse, and its first national championship. In 1961, Davis goes on to win the Heisman Trophy following his senior season in college. He later becomes a professional athlete in the National Football League and signs a contract with the Cleveland Browns. Later however, following a series of health concerns, Davis is taken to a hospital to undergo medical testing. Ernie is diagnosed with leukemia. Will Ernie defeat leukemia and go on to have a great career as a professional? Read the book to find out! My favorite part in the book is how Ernie was a legend who fought for racial equality among all. I would recommend this book to sports fans of all sports
At the start of the 1959 college football season, Davis immediately excels playing for the varsity team, to lead Syracuse to victories over several college football teams. After Syracuse defeats UCLA to conclude the regular season undefeated, the team decides by choice to play the 2nd ranked Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic. During the game on January 1, 1960, Davis boldly attempts to lead his team to victory but is hampered by an injured leg and biased officiating. Towards the end of the game, Davis scores a crucial touchdown to preserve a Syracuse lead. The match up concludes with a victory for Syracuse, and its first national championship. In 1961, Davis goes on to win the Heisman Trophy following his senior season in college. He later becomes a professional athlete in the National Football League and signs a contract with the Cleveland Browns. Later however, following a series of health concerns, Davis is taken to a hospital to undergo medical testing. Ernie is diagnosed with leukemia. Will Ernie defeat leukemia and go on to have a great career as a professional? Read the book to find out! My favorite part in the book is how Ernie was a legend who fought for racial equality among all. I would recommend this book to sports fans of all sports
September 28, 2008
Ernie Davis is a local hero. After a stellar football/basketball career in high school in Elmira, and at Syracuse University, Davis was signed by the Cleveland Browns but died of leukemia before getting to play a single pro game.
Everyone around here has heard the name many, many times, but I hadn't bothered to delve any deeper until now. This biography has been made into a movie called "The Express" (after Davis's nickname, The Elmira Express) and so they've re-released the book. I borrowed it from work.
This was a pretty quick read, and really gives a good look at Davis's character both on and off the field. The story focuses much more on the positive aspects of Davis's life than on its tragic end. It definitely made me want to go visit the gravesite; the cemetary is only about 15 minutes away, and I think I actually saw Davis's grave as a kid. It will mean a lot more to me now. I'd even like to drive up to Syracuse to see his Heisman Trophy.
The book itself, I'm sorry to say, is plagued by punctuation errors and the occasional typo. It also has a common problem of biographies/history books, in that it jumps around a lot. Anecdotes are sometimes related in a manner that jumbles up the timeline in my head.
Still, it's well worth the read, and makes me that much happier that 40+ years later, Elmira still has not forgotten Ernie Davis.
Everyone around here has heard the name many, many times, but I hadn't bothered to delve any deeper until now. This biography has been made into a movie called "The Express" (after Davis's nickname, The Elmira Express) and so they've re-released the book. I borrowed it from work.
This was a pretty quick read, and really gives a good look at Davis's character both on and off the field. The story focuses much more on the positive aspects of Davis's life than on its tragic end. It definitely made me want to go visit the gravesite; the cemetary is only about 15 minutes away, and I think I actually saw Davis's grave as a kid. It will mean a lot more to me now. I'd even like to drive up to Syracuse to see his Heisman Trophy.
The book itself, I'm sorry to say, is plagued by punctuation errors and the occasional typo. It also has a common problem of biographies/history books, in that it jumps around a lot. Anecdotes are sometimes related in a manner that jumbles up the timeline in my head.
Still, it's well worth the read, and makes me that much happier that 40+ years later, Elmira still has not forgotten Ernie Davis.
December 16, 2013
i picked the Express the Ernie Davis story when our school libraren showed it to us. The authur did an amazing job illustrating Ernie Davis' life story.Ernie davis was the first African American to win the Heisman trophy, the most glorified award in college football. He attended Elmira high school where he excelled and was an All-American football player. When he began his career at the Syracuse University, he had to fill the shoes of Jim Brown, one of the best football players to ever play. Ernie was able to lead his team to the championship his sophomore year, where they beat Texas for the national championship. After his tremendous college career, he was drafted into the NFL. However bad news arrived as the summer before his NFL debut, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He died shortly after and was never able to play an NFL game. This story really motivated me to follow my dreams and pursue my goals because you never know when they will be taken away. Ernie Davis was a successful young man who persevered through all obstacles No matter what was thrown at him, he overcame adversity and became stronger. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in not just football only but also a great motivational book that teaches important life lessons and i think everyone should read this book
November 26, 2013
The Express: The Ernie Davis Story by Robert C. Gallagher is an extremely inspiring and motivating book. Robert Gallagher did an amazing job illustrating Ernie Davis' life story. He left his legacy behind as he was the first African American to win the Heisman trophy, the most glorified award in college football. He attended Elmira high school where he excelled and was an All-American football player. When he began his career at the Syracuse University, he had to fill the shoes of Jim Brown, one of the best football players to ever play. Ernie was able to lead his team to the championship his sophomore year, where they beat Texas for the national championship. After his tremendous college career, he was drafted into the NFL. However bad news arrived as the summer before his NFL debut, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He died shortly after and was never able to play an NFL game. This story really motivated me to follow my dreams and pursue my goals because you never know when they will be taken away. Ernie Davis was a successful young man who persevered through all obstacles No matter what was thrown at him, he overcame adversity and became stronger. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in not just football only but also a great motivational book that teaches important life lessons.
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May 23, 2016The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
The express is an awesome book written about the career of Ernie Davis and all of the hardships he faced on his journey to the NFL. Ernie Davis was an All- American running back for Syracuse University. He led his college football team to an undefeated season and a national championship. Everyone knew he was next greatest running back behind Jim Brown, one of the most famous black running backs. Ernie’s senior season at Syracuse, he broke Jim Brown’s rushing record and became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. After his senior season, Ernie was the first pick in the NFL draft and he went to the Cleveland Browns. It seemed like Ernie Davis would be the next best player in the NFL, but his career didn’t last long at all. Shortly after he had been settled in Cleveland, he was diagnosed with the disease leukemia just before the start of his rookie season. Ernie Davis was a tough fighter, and that was very clear, but he lost his fight to leukemia less than a year after being diagnosed. Davis was recognized by everyone for his toughness and courage through his tough times and even recognized by President John F. Kennedy. The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, is an incredible story about Ernie Davis and him overcoming all the hardships he faced as a black athlete in the Civil Rights era.
The express is an awesome book written about the career of Ernie Davis and all of the hardships he faced on his journey to the NFL. Ernie Davis was an All- American running back for Syracuse University. He led his college football team to an undefeated season and a national championship. Everyone knew he was next greatest running back behind Jim Brown, one of the most famous black running backs. Ernie’s senior season at Syracuse, he broke Jim Brown’s rushing record and became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. After his senior season, Ernie was the first pick in the NFL draft and he went to the Cleveland Browns. It seemed like Ernie Davis would be the next best player in the NFL, but his career didn’t last long at all. Shortly after he had been settled in Cleveland, he was diagnosed with the disease leukemia just before the start of his rookie season. Ernie Davis was a tough fighter, and that was very clear, but he lost his fight to leukemia less than a year after being diagnosed. Davis was recognized by everyone for his toughness and courage through his tough times and even recognized by President John F. Kennedy. The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, is an incredible story about Ernie Davis and him overcoming all the hardships he faced as a black athlete in the Civil Rights era.
March 10, 2014
Ernie Davis is a very courageous and inspiring man. Growing up he was poor and lived with several different family members. He played baseball, basketball ,and football as a child. He excelled at basketball and football and went on to be a star on the Syracuse football team, leading them to a national championship while also receiving the heisman memorial trophy. The fame didn't go to his head though, he was a hardworking, humble, and funny guy who never bragged about his achievements. Ernie had a great college career at Syracuse and got drafted number one overall in the nfl draft. He signed a huge contract with the Cleveland Browns and everyone couldn't wait to see him play. But wait, he was diagnosed with leukemia before the season. His coaches did not clear him to play and his leukemia progressed. Ernie knew his life was coming to an end soon but that didn't affect him. He spoke to people, and just tried to act like nothing was going on. He accepted the fact that he was going to die but he never wanted attention or felt bad for himself. He even wrote an article in the local newspaper saying how he wasn't unlucky! Throughout the whole process his actions were so inspiring and made him a role model to many many people.
Currently reading
May 9, 2014I got this book from Mrs.Peters during the book talk.
The setting is kind of present time. It is a Guy who goes out to find out about Ernie Davis story by interviewing people and the people he interviews will give brief flashbacks.
Conflict is that Ernie Davis is a colored man in the mid 1900s when people were very racist and Ernie powered through all the racial comments.
Ernie is Static.
Nice
Smart
Athletic
He stays nice throughout the whole book and is always looking to help people.
“Of course, everybody in Elmira knew Ernie. He was a terrific guy” (Gallagher, 5).
The theme is to never stop what you're doing because somebody told you to stop, do what you love and do it with your heart.
I could visualize his pain when everyone was against him.
I could predict that Ernie would die because they did not have very good medicine back then
I could connect because Ernie won the heisman trophy and I have seen many college players earn that award.
I thought the book was kind of boring because it was a lot of interviews. Overall I think it has a powerful message and everyone should make time to read it.
The setting is kind of present time. It is a Guy who goes out to find out about Ernie Davis story by interviewing people and the people he interviews will give brief flashbacks.
Conflict is that Ernie Davis is a colored man in the mid 1900s when people were very racist and Ernie powered through all the racial comments.
Ernie is Static.
Nice
Smart
Athletic
He stays nice throughout the whole book and is always looking to help people.
“Of course, everybody in Elmira knew Ernie. He was a terrific guy” (Gallagher, 5).
The theme is to never stop what you're doing because somebody told you to stop, do what you love and do it with your heart.
I could visualize his pain when everyone was against him.
I could predict that Ernie would die because they did not have very good medicine back then
I could connect because Ernie won the heisman trophy and I have seen many college players earn that award.
I thought the book was kind of boring because it was a lot of interviews. Overall I think it has a powerful message and everyone should make time to read it.
January 12, 2011
The Express is about the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. It was hard for him to win the Heisman Trophy or to become all Americana running back. Because back there was lots of racism going on, but he faced all the most challenging. But not with him self his coach and team members have helped him throw most of all the challenging he been throw. Like most of all the team they played they all ha Syracuse Universalistic just cause they had a black player. The most hateful team was Texas they throw stuffs on him and calling him bad words. And they did't let him sleep at a hotel just cause of his skin color and he could't eat at a restaurants cause again on his skin color. i selected this story cause it shows how people could throw bad things in life like racism. It could be challenging sometime knowing that someone is hated on you just cause of your skin colored, but the important thing is they could never take away your opportunist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2011
The Express The Erine Davis Story By Robert C. Gallagher is almost a ture classic that everyone should read. Erine Davis was a man who inspired all he touched and showed everyone that you can do anything you want if you try hard enough. Gallagher uses insiperation and amazement to get thought to the aduenice. There are many stories of Erine prevailing though things such as speech disorder and unfair treatment because of his race (black)and much more. Erine had many challenges in his life on his way to becoming the first black to win the Heisman trophy.
I believe that this book does a very good job at descriping his life and how he affected others. This book gives you many small and entertaning stories on Ernies life that really let you see into his life. Overall this was a great read if you like books on sports or want to just read about someone amazing i would strongly recommend it.
I believe that this book does a very good job at descriping his life and how he affected others. This book gives you many small and entertaning stories on Ernies life that really let you see into his life. Overall this was a great read if you like books on sports or want to just read about someone amazing i would strongly recommend it.
November 20, 2012
A True Inspiration:
Ernie Davis’s career at Syracuse University started off with big expectations. He had the big shoes to fill of football legend, Jim Brown. Throughout Ernie's years at "Cuse", he proved himself as one of the country's elite running backs, becoming the first African American to win the Heisman trophy. In 1962, following in the steps of his Role model, Jim Brown, he signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns. That year, he met his first opponent that he could not defeat; Leukemia.
The Express is a well written book with accurate details on the life of Ernie Davis in and out of the game of football. Ernie Davis was a successful young man who followed his dreams; his story can really motivate one to pursue their goals. No matter what was thrown at him, he overcame adversity and became stronger. This is an inspirational read that really sets a good example of motivation, and makes you realize how lucky you are to have opportunity.
Ernie Davis’s career at Syracuse University started off with big expectations. He had the big shoes to fill of football legend, Jim Brown. Throughout Ernie's years at "Cuse", he proved himself as one of the country's elite running backs, becoming the first African American to win the Heisman trophy. In 1962, following in the steps of his Role model, Jim Brown, he signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns. That year, he met his first opponent that he could not defeat; Leukemia.
The Express is a well written book with accurate details on the life of Ernie Davis in and out of the game of football. Ernie Davis was a successful young man who followed his dreams; his story can really motivate one to pursue their goals. No matter what was thrown at him, he overcame adversity and became stronger. This is an inspirational read that really sets a good example of motivation, and makes you realize how lucky you are to have opportunity.
March 10, 2019
Ernie Davis was a high school phenomenon in Elmira New York, a multi sport Letterman who lead each team her joined. He earned his nickname the Elmira Express while breaking Jim Brown's high school rushing records. He was always respectful of all and an academic all American. He was a role model extraordinaire.
He eventually chose to pursue football and was the number one draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1962. The thought of him pairing with the legendary Jim Brown in the backfield was too much for some to handle but it never happened.
Ernie was diagnosed with Leukemia after the draft and before he played his first game. He faced his death with class and dignity and eventually was overcome by the disease less than a year after his diagnosing.
The book is the stroy of Ernie Davis, a great man, a man of strong constituetion and respected by so many.
He eventually chose to pursue football and was the number one draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1962. The thought of him pairing with the legendary Jim Brown in the backfield was too much for some to handle but it never happened.
Ernie was diagnosed with Leukemia after the draft and before he played his first game. He faced his death with class and dignity and eventually was overcome by the disease less than a year after his diagnosing.
The book is the stroy of Ernie Davis, a great man, a man of strong constituetion and respected by so many.
February 11, 2009
This was an informative book to read. Before reading this book I did not know who Ernie Davis was. So I have to give the author credit for writing this book. The book must have been hard to write due to the lack of supporting facts of Ernie Davis'childhood. Most of the stories were from his close friends and relatives. This would be a book I would give my son or little brother one day and have them read it and then we would discuss the importance of who Ernie Davis was. I would reccommend this book to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge. This is a book that should keep a person reading even if they do not know or care about sports. There is a message here about life and sports. From this read I can tell the world needs more people like Ernie Davis.
January 14, 2010
Ernie Davis is a deceased, former Running Back at Syracuse University. He was from Elmira, New York. He led his team to a National Championship. He was also the first Black American to win the Heisman trophy. Ernie Davis was diagnosed with leukemia, and less than a year later he lost his battle. This is a very touching story about a much hated Athlete who followed his dreams.
This is a great book that I think everyone should read. It really makes you think, and in some ways makes you a better person.
I recommend this book everyone who loves a true story, history, and biography's.
This is a great book that I think everyone should read. It really makes you think, and in some ways makes you a better person.
I recommend this book everyone who loves a true story, history, and biography's.
January 13, 2010
Its all about this boy named Erni Davis.He was a boy that had a ruff life.Cause of his skin color.But then his mother let play some football.And he was amazing at he played runner back.He was very good he was fast and stroug. Some people wanted him to join callage football teams.When he was in high school.One man wanted him ton join the team. Then Erni said yes.But some people were not very nice to him.They went against the long horns when erni played and got down on the and when he was already down they started to hit him.Cause of his skin.
December 2, 2008
Amazing story. Every college and pro football player should follow Ernie's example of good sportsmanship. This is a wonderful story and all too sad that Ernie's life had such and untimely end.
The actual writing leaves something to be desired, but I didn't take that into consideration for my rating. The story is well worth it. If you read this book make sure you get the updated version. It has a lot of comparisons between today's NFL and the NFL of 1962.
The actual writing leaves something to be desired, but I didn't take that into consideration for my rating. The story is well worth it. If you read this book make sure you get the updated version. It has a lot of comparisons between today's NFL and the NFL of 1962.
December 9, 2008
So I started this book and gave it up rather quickly. The Ernie Davis story is amazing and inspiring, but the way in which this book is written is too boring to hold my attention when I have so many other books waiting for me. Sorry.
That said, I do wish more athletes today would realize that their popularity really makes them noticed by society, and I wish they would use that in a positive way, encouraging youth today to be more civil, more gracious, more intelligent in what they do.
That said, I do wish more athletes today would realize that their popularity really makes them noticed by society, and I wish they would use that in a positive way, encouraging youth today to be more civil, more gracious, more intelligent in what they do.
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