Ernie Davis was a man before his time, becoming the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. But who knew the Syracuse running back wore Nikes before they were cool . . . or even created?
A statue unveiled over the weekend at the Carrier Dome depicts Davis wearing Nike gear. Trouble is, Nike’s famous swoosh wasn’t created until 1971.
Call it an honest mistake by the sculptor, 82-year-old Bruno Lucchesi of New York City, who said he was asked to work off a picture of Davis. The school said it also sent him football gear.
The Davis statue has “Nike” inscribed on the heel of each cleat, there’s a swoosh on his chest and he’s holding a helmet much different from the one he wore.
“Bruno will be making the appropriate modifications as soon as possible,” university spokesman Kevin Morrow told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
“The Express” — a movie about Davis’ life — had its world premiere Friday at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse. The film opens nationwide in October.
Added athletic director Daryl Gross: “The sculptor will make it perfect.”
