Syracuse road football jersey worn by legendary running back Ernie Davis during the circa 1960-61 season. Graded a perfect A10 by MEARS. This is an outstanding Ernie Davis jersey in all respects, and one of the finest we have ever offered. The white Dureen jersey features the number 44 on the front and reverse in navy tackle twill with orange stitching. A Wilson 48 label is located on the left front tail. As one might expect, the jersey displays considerable wear, including a team repair on the front, several small unrepaired tears and gouges, stains from both field dirt and sweat, loose threads, and paint transfers. Original as issued, with no alterations. 

The story of Ernie Davis is one of the most tragic in sports history. Davis enjoyed a stellar collegiate football career at Syracuse, where he followed in the footsteps of his idol, Jim Brown (he wore #44 because that was Brown's number at Syracuse). Following his 1961 senior season, Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy and was selected by the Washington Redskins with the number one pick in the NFL draft. Because of their racist policies at the time, Davis refused to play for the Redskins and was traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he would team in the backfield with Jim Brown. Unfortunately, Davis never played a down for the Browns after being diagnosed with Leukemia. Davis died two years later at the age of twenty-three. In honor of his memory, the Browns retired Davis' issued uniform number (45). In 2005, Syracuse retired the number 44. Davis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979. Full LOA from MEARS (graded A10).