The 2021 National Auction - Closes Saturday, July 31st

Lot #43:

Ernie Davis RARE Signed 1961 Syracuse Heisman Trophy Presentational Football - Direct from Teammate Ger Schwedes (Beckett/BAS LOA)

The legendary Ernie Davis has signed this Syracuse University presentational football. Davis led Syracuse to their first, and only, national title in 1959, an undefeated season that ended with a resounding defeat of Darrell Royal and the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Later in his collegiate career, Davis became the first African-American football player to claim the prestigious Heisman Trophy, defeating Ohio State standout Bob Ferguson in a close race in 1961. Davis was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 1962, however Davis was felled by leukemia before he could play in a NFL game. Ernie Davis was just 23 years old.

This Spalding Inter-Collegiate leather football features a choice vintage white paint pen autograph, "Best wishes, Ernie Davis," along the left side of the presentational panel. Painted on the football in predominantly blue and orange lettering is “Ernie Davis - 1961 Heisman Trophy”. Accompanied by superb provenance, this football sources from the personal collection of fellow Syracuse legend Ger Schwedes, who has also signed the ball on a blank panel in silver metallic marker, "Personally obtained autograph from Ernie Davis by me. Ger Schwedes." Additionally, the ball is accompanied by a pair of photographs showing Schwedes with the ball. Impressive! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).