Quaid says Davis' story goes well beyond sports

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2007 | by Marlen Garcia

VIRGIL, Ill. -- Actor Dennis Quaid says The Express, a film about the life of 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, will strike a chord with audiences because the late halfback's story transcends sports.

Davis became the first black player to win the Heisman while starring for Syracuse. He died of leukemia in 1963, never getting a chance to suit up in the NFL.

"When you do any sports movie, it has to be about something more than football," says Quaid, who portrays Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder. "It has to be ... universal. It's about things in life that people can relate to. I hope that's what we got."

Quaid stars alongside Rob Brown (Finding Forrester), who portrays Davis. Brown has football experience as a wide receiver for Amherst. Quaid is...