Discover a life altering story of epic proportion. This intriguing narrative unveils interesting events, touching moments, and unusual insights into the life of a budding NFL star, as he struggles through life's vicissitudes. Audiences from every race, creed, and gender will be captured by his courage and faith as he battles against heart wrenching pain, disappointment, and grief. Tragically, his dreams of a prosperous NFL career are shattered by problematic injuries and the brutal murder of his best friend and teammate. To cope with the loss of his friend, career, marriage and wealth, he finds a renewed spirituality.
Elgin Davis, a native Floridian, was born on October 23, 1965 in Jacksonville, Fl. At an early age he learned life principles from his family's strong spiritual beliefs and humble roots. His unique gifts and talents earned him respect and honor among his community and peers. Quickly, Elgin established himself as a leader on and off the field, and received many accolades in high school, including President of Christian Athletes, captain of the football and track teams, and recognition from America's Outstanding Names and Faces. His tenacity on the football field earned him recognition as one of the state's top football prospects and he was bestowed the athlete of the year in high school. He attended the University of Central Florida on a full athletic scholarship. During his junior and senior year he was a Dean's List recipient and voted captain of the football team. Elgin evolved into the most prolific runner in school history. In 1987, Elgin Davis was drafted into the NFL by the New England Patriots, and became the second player ever drafted out of UCF. There, he played two seasons before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later the Winnepeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. He ended his career with the London Monarchs of the World Football League. Shortly afterwards, Elgin answered the call of ministry, and worked diligently within his community to help correct many political and social ills that affect society. Today, he resides in Orlando, Fl and works in real estate.
Night fall was rapidly approaching as I began my ascent to the mountain peak of Diamond Hill. I was extremely careful, making sure not to twist an ankle or knee while navigating the uneven mountainous terrain. I found the beautiful colors of autumn unparallel to anything I had ever seen. The voices of nature suspended me momentarily in time along the virgin hillsides. Powerful northern winds blew angrily as leaves and twigs rained down from heaven. Slowly, I made my way up the mountain’s summit. That’s when I finally realized just how far in life I had climbed. I reminisced about the days of old that took me back to those special events and loved ones that made life truly worth living.
It was a unique time in history when revolutionary ideas changed the complexion of America. Blacks became an integral part of the social fabric; especially in the South where images of shame and ridicule were slowly being replaced by self-respect and love. The black church and the soulful sounds of old negro spirituals strengthened our faith through the hardest of times. The voices of Malcolm and Martin championed our cause for freedom, justice, and equality. We were black and proud! Blacks were owning homes and businesses, and a piece of the American dream was becoming as common as fried chicken and collard greens. It was the fabulous sixties. Afros, bell bottoms, and drive-in movies were the talk of the town, and teenagers twisted to the sounds of Chubby Checker. The engagement of war in Vietnam divided our nation. Nevertheless, John F. Kennedy charismatically won the hearts of the American people. He earned the respect and love of poor people just like us. Heck, we even sent a man to the moon for the very first time.
Those were some of the memories that made the sixties so special. But the greatest thing about the sixties occurred October 23, 1965; because that’s the day I was born. And from that moment on, the world has never been the same...and this is my story!