“The Express” The Ernie Davis Story Movie Review

During this very delicate time in history and influential time in his life, Ernie’s mother returned to take him back home with her to Elmira Texas. Although leaving the comforts of his home to venture into the unknown, Ernie did not leave what he was taught in Pennsylvania, he took it with him to Texas.

Once in Elmira, Ernie began playing football and quickly became the most scouted running back of his time.

As Ernie approached high school graduation, Syracuse Head Coach Ben Schwartzwalder remarkably played by (Dennis Quaid) was a tenacious coach who was determined to recruit Ernie despite the competing coaches‘ many efforts. With the help of Jim Brown (Darrin Dewitt Henson) , the most notable African American running back at the time, and the approval of “Pops”, Ernie chose Syracuse University.

While in college, Ernie sets records, educates his slightly antiquated coach, endured and overcame harsh prejudice, falls in love, becomes a college hero and the first African American to win The Heisman Trophy.

Immediately following the NFL draft, tragedy struck Ernie Davis and he was not able to realize his dream of being a professional football player. His life left a permanent mark, sports was eternally changed and future generations will forever be inspired by the short life of Ernie Davis.

As I think of this young man’s life, I’m reminded of Hebrews 11. Specifically, Hebrews 11:13, which says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

This young man’s life ended too soon, but the early training by his grandfather instilled a faith and a hope that he carried with him throughout his life. The right training produced the right results; a child trained to endure all that life had to offer; the good, the bad and the tragic and left this earth a hero.

Please don’t go to see this film if your interested in seeing a football film. This film is much less about football and more about faith, hope and triumph. It’s an inspirational story about a fighter; a strong, determined, and patient young man whose life ended tragically and quickly, but his mark was indelible.