Who was the first African-American football player to win the Heisman Trophy?

• A. Ernie Davis
• B. O.J. Simpson
• C. Doug Williams
• D. Warren Moon

Answer: (A)

Ernie Davis was the first African-American football player to win the Heisman Trophy, achieving this prestigious honor in 1961. His victory was significant not only because of his outstanding athletic performance but also because it represented a breakthrough in a time when racial barriers were still prominent in sports. Davis played for Syracuse University and had an impressive college career, where he showcased exceptional skill as a running back. His win came during a period of social change in the United States, making his achievement a landmark moment in both sports and civil rights history. This legacy has made his name synonymous with progress in college athletics, highlighting the contributions of African-American athletes in a predominantly white sport at that time.