The Express

I would imagine that most football fans today are unfamiliar with the name Ernie Davis. He remains an historic figure none the less. For those who do remember Jim Brown, other than for his movies. My favorite role for him was in "Mars Attacks."  You'll never guess who teamed up with Jim to defeat a Martian take over of the earth in that one.
But then there are those of us who are die hard Cleveland Browns Fans.  We remember Art Modell, and the running of Jim Brown, Frank Ryan, and the great Paul Warfield before he flew to Miami.
We also remember the last championship in 1964, pre-super bowl.  And of course what might have been.  What was and what might have been describe pretty well the film called "The Express."  I must admit it was beautiful for me to watch, and of course I won the DVD.  I would recommend it to any football fan.
The story of Ernie Davis.  there he was sandwiched between Jim Brown and floyd Little at Syracuse University.   "The Express" is a beautiful film recommended to any football fan and especially for those of us who love the browns.  In addition to being a beautiful story full of football highlights of one of the greatest running backs of all time.  The film includes another great performance by one of Hollywood's unsung heroes Dennis Quaid.
Ernie Davis is probably the greatest running back in the NFL.  He did suit up, and his story is even more poignant than that of Gayle Sayers. Ah dah bears ..."  Is Ernie Brian Piccolo?  Well you'll have to see the movie for that.
Of course the game has changed over the years.  There are those who say it has changed so much that Brown and Davis would not be effective in today's NFL.  Bill Walsh and the "west coast" offense have changed things.  Throwing for 5 yards anytime in any situation and any place on the field not only revolutionized the offensive game, but defenses had to change to keep up.  Today we see the more versatile, quick linebackers, who are as large as defensive linemen and as quick as defensive backs.  And we all know that defenses win games. As evidence I offer this past year's super bowl.  No one was more surprised than I that Peyton Manning did not pull it out somehow.  Although a case can be made as depicted in "The Blind Side" that offensive linemen are the real winners.
"The Express is the story of Ernie Davis, his running his character, during the civil rights movement of the 60s, and the fact that he endured the same prejudice as Jackie Robinson, and Ernie carried himself with the same courage.  He had large shoes to fill and even larger exceptions and he exceeded them all.  Although he did not share Brown's love of lacrosse, he was like Brown able to run around you or through you -- it really didn't matter to him.
The story follows Davis's life from beginning to end, and even if you know the story there is enough suspense, being well directed to keep any fan riveted.  Of course in those days, and yes they did have helmets with face-masks, unlike "Leatherheads" (I am probably the only one who throughly enjoyed that one).
So here's the bottom line. My recommendations.
1- "The Express
2- "The Blindside"
3- "Brian's Song" 1 and 2 Dah Bears ...
4-Mars attacks, Nicholson plays two parts including President of the United States Hmmm?
and
5- "Leatherheads"
I'd get them and watch them all in that order.
Imagine Jim Brown and Ernie Davis in the same backfield ... Dah Browns.  More fun than Kosar, Mack and Bryant.