The Express

The Express is a 2008 American sports drama film that follows the inspirational life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Davis, portrayed by Rob Brown, excels as a running back in high school and is recruited by Syracuse University coach Ben Schwartzwalder, played by Dennis Quaid. The film chronicles Davis' journey to becoming a national champion and his struggle with leukemia, which ultimately leads to his untimely death at the age of 23.