Ernie Davis, the first Black recipient of the Heisman Trophy, succumbed to leukemia at just 23. Like so many others battling cancer, Ernie’s fight would have depended on life-saving blood donations.

In Syracuse's 23-14 victory over Texas in the ... Two days later, on May 18, he died in his sleep. His tombstone reads: Ernie Davis / 1961 Heisman Trophy / 1939-1963.

In Syracuse's 23-14 victory over Texas in the ... Two days later, on May 18, he died in his sleep. His tombstone reads: Ernie Davis / 1961 Heisman Trophy / 1939-1963.

Corning High School student Gavin Walker is putting together the Bleed Orange Tackle Leukemia Blood Drive in honor of Ernie ... Sadly, Davis passed away from leukemia in 1963 at just 23.