The Express

I spent Saturday afternoon watching a really good sports film - The Express.

The movie is based on the life and college football career of Ernie Davis. He played as running back for Syracuse University in the late fifties/early sixties and became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.

It's the ultimate underdog sports story as it is based on fact.

Davis' abilities broke boundaries and prejudices not only on the American football field but in life itself. He definitely paved the way for other black athletes to achieve recognition in the sport.

Davis' story didn't end well, though.

He died of leukemia not so long after signing for the Cleveland Browns as the first black player to be the overall pick in that year's draft (Washington had the initial pick and elected to trade him as they had a 'no black' policy which is hard to understand in this day and age). Davis didn't make any pro starts due to his illness.

I definitely recommend watching it if you see it anywhere.