The Express

View Date: 8/19/09

This biographical film is the story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He joined Syracuse with the encouragement of Jim Brown, who had failed to win the coveted trophy the year before. Ernie goes through many difficult times, considering he is one of only a handful of African Americans on campus, and one of three on the football team. But as is the case in many of these stories, things turn around and he is accepted by the team and his coach, who all change for the better. After winning the award, he is drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play in the backfield with his mentor Jim Brown. Unfortunately, during camp, he is diagnosed with leukemia, and never sees any action in a professional game. He suits up for one pre-season Browns game, where he is presented to the crown under a spotlight. His number was retired by the Browns without ever having played in a game.

From the short biography I read of Ernie on-line, the movie appears pretty accurate. Dennis Quaid does an excellent job as a gruff, racist head coach who slowly starts to respect Ernie and guides and protects him as much as possible through football. The end made me cry, and I had to look up the story after the movie to see just how true it was. It was a great way to start off college football season, and was a great movie overall.

10 words or less: Amazing story of personal strength and growth.