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Courtesy of Syracuse University Athletics
 Members of the Greater Watertown Pop Warner program took part in a private screening of “The Express,” a Universal Pictures film about the life of college football hero and trailblazer Ernie Davis Tuesday evening in Syracuse.
USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, hosted nearly 250 youth football players from Syracuse and Elmira and their parents for the event, which also included members from the Elmira Small Fry Football League (the same league Davis played in as a youth), and a few other local programs.
In 1961, Davis became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy before tragically succumbing to leukemia in 1963 at age 23. Shortly after signing an NFL contract with the Cleveland Browns, tragedy struck the star athlete when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Davis’ story of perseverance, humility and love for his teammates embodies football’s timeless values for the 3.2 million American kids who play organized youth tackle football today.
“USA Football is proud to help youngsters from Syracuse and Elmira learn more about one of their local heroes, Ernie Davis,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “He was more than a great football player. Ernie Davis was a young man who displayed courage, grace and remarkable leadership. His spirit and contributions to America’s favorite sport live on today, more than 45 years after his tragic death. Regardless of age, anyone who sees how this man lived his life will gain from it.”
In addition to Syracuse, USA Football recently hosted six other screenings of “The Express” for youth football players and their parents in Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Indianapolis, San Diego and Washington, D.C. These six previous showings were held on Tuesday, Sept. 23, where more than 1,000 youngsters viewed Davis’ inspiring life story. “The Express” opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, Oct. 10.
About USA Football:
USA Football, the national governing body of America’s favorite sport on youth and amateur levels, hosts 100 football training events per year offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league administrators. The independent non-profit also manages U.S. national teams for international competitions. Endowed by the NFL and NFLPA through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football (usafootball.com) is chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp.
Video: wtvh Syracuse covers the event
www.usafootball.com
Greater Watertown Pop Warner
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