Star running back at Syracuse University; first black player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961; drafted by the Washington Redskins and traded to Cleveland but died the following year from leukemia before playing a pro game. His 1957 'Torch' Yearbook from the Elmira Free Academy in Elmira, New York, signed 'Ernie Davis' in blue ink on the first page. The book is filled with well wishes from friends and teachers. The last page has the handwritten 'Reserved' at the top of the page, with a lengthy letter to Ernie from his girlfriend, Diane, which reads, in part, 'I know you'll come out on top because you've really got your heart in it. When you make that All-American I'll be right there cheering you on as always. I just hope all our plans work out the way we want them. Just stay my sweet, handsome Ernie and don't forget me.' She goes on in a somewhat prescient vein: 'Let's complete our college education and then I'll be the happiest girl in Elmira. I've got to be that nurse so I can take care of you on the football field at Syracuse or Illinois.' In fine condition, with a few slightly loose pages, and trivial soiling to the back cover. RRAuction COA.
