Ernie Davis became the first African-American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy when he won the award in 1961. (Photo by Syracuse University Athletics)

As a sophomore, Ernie Davis helped lead Syracuse to the national championship, capping an undefeated season with a 23-14 win over the University of Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1960. (Photo by Syracuse University Athletics)

Ernie Davis was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, becoming the first African-American player to be selected first overall. (Photo by Pro Football Hall of Fame)

Ernie Davis was originally selected by the Washington Redskins, but his rights were then traded to the Cleveland Browns. Davis was also drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the rival American Football League. (Photo by Cleveland Browns)

Ernie Davis signed a three-year, $200,000 contract with the Browns, who dreamed of teaming the Heisman Trophy winner with another former Orangeman, Jim Brown, in the backfield. (Photo by Cleveland Browns)

In the summer of 1962, Ernie Davis was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia and died the following year at age 23. (Photo by Cleveland Browns)