This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2020
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 23 years old.
This Spalding Inter-Collegiate leather football features a choice vintage white paint pen autograph, "Ernie Davis," boldly along a free panel, and stands as arguably the nicest single signed Davis football in existence. 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 from Ernie Davis, Ger Schwedes." Additionally, the ball is accompanied by a pair of photographs showing Schwedes with the ball. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).