If you saw this film already, kudos for you, if not, you should put this in your movie waiting list as soon as possible. Based on a true story, the timeline was placed around the late 1950's to early 1960's, particularly around Ernie Davis' four college years. During this time, segregation was still strong in various places including the universities. Before Ernie's reign in football field, Jim Brown attended Syracuse University as a running back and achieved various levels including being the first overall pick in the NFL draft. However, he could be better. A colored athlete was never thought of as a Heisman winner, the highest award for an athlete in NCAA football. Ernie Davis changed all that. Ernie was the first colored athlete to win the Heisman trophy. To many people, this was just a game of football. However, to others, it was beyond football. He leaped over color barriers in hostile environments including Texas University, where football was a religion. He took the Syracuse University to its first National Champion not as a colored athlete, but an American athlete. So what's the difference? Simple. Because he was colored, his coach and the school had certain ideas and restrictions such as not allowing him to score a touchdown in a hostile environment. With this, his playtime was limited especially in the red zone. He challenged that. In result, he became the best college football athlete in his time. He even met President Kennedy the moment he received the Heisman trophy "Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field, reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It's a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you." ~ President John F. Kennedy on Ernie Davis My favorite scene was when he tried to recruit the next running back for the Syracuse University, Floyd Little. Davis described something important to him. Little wanted to be the best NCAA Negro football player. Davis corrected him and said, he should try to be the best NCAA football player. Again, what's the difference? Davis doesn't emphasize on the color but rather the performance. By stating the best NCAA football player, this includes all other race. I think this is something we all should focus on; analyze the performance rather than the appearance. In the NFL, Davis was drafted to Cleveland Browns, with his idol Jim Brown. However, he never played a down in the NFL. Davis' legacy ended too soon. He died at the age of 23 years old from Leukemia. With his story, other people were inspired and challenged them to achieve their goals. Overall, this film was great. If you enjoy sport films such as Hoosiers, Miracle and Remember the Titans, then this film will suit you. If not, it will inspire you. Since we recently entered the Black History month, educate yourself with a little bit of important history.

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