The Express is a 2008 sports film based on the true story of Ernie Davis, the film follows his journey from a talented young athlete to becoming the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. The movie is set in the racially charged era of the 1950s and 1960s and explores the challenges and triumphs that Davis faced as he navigated the world of college football. Davis was raised in poverty in Pennsylvania, but that didn’t stop him from displaying exceptional talent and a strong work ethic from a young age. Davis earns a football scholarship to Syracuse University, where he faces discrimination and racism as he tries to make his mark on the field. Despite the barriers, Davis excelled as a running back, capturing the attention of his teammates, coaches, and the nation in the process. The film shows the mentorship and guidance Davis receives from Syracuse head coach Ben Schwartzwalder. Schwartzwalder becomes not only a coach but also a father figure to Davis, teaching him valuable life lessons and supporting him as he faces adversity on and off the field and defends him from other coaches and critics who belittle him to do his race.  As Davis’s football career flourishes, he becomes a symbol of hope and progress for the African American community. The film truly shows how Davis was a trailblazer and defied all the odds and obstacles he faced throughout his journey. The climax of the film comes with Davis’s historic achievement of winning the Heisman Trophy in 1961. The award not only recognizes his athletic prowess but also represents a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality in sports. Shortly after being drafted into the NFL, Davis was diagnosed with Leukemia and was the reason for his sudden death at the age of 23. Davis never got the opportunity to play in an NFL game. Overall, The Express is a remarkable film as it dives into the impact Davis had on the game of football while educating fans unaware of his story. This is an amazing film that I would recommend to anyone regardless of if they are a fan of football or not.