SYRACUSE (AP) -- It's been almost 50 years since Syracuse tailback Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. On the day he returned to work for his alma mater, the man who donned the Orange's famed No. 44 after Davis saw great significance in the moment.
"To be back on the 50-year anniversary, this is great. It's surreal," Floyd Little said Thursday as he was formally introduced as a special assistant to athletic director Daryl Gross. "It is amazing, and it's fitting because Ernie had a major impact on my life. I can still recall the day when he came to my house and sat between my mom and me and put his arms around us and said, 'What's up?'
"That resonates with me on a regular (basis), because Ernie was responsible for me coming here," said Little, a 44 pin shining on the lapel of his suit. "I was going to Army. I was recruited by General (Douglas) MacArthur to go to West Point. That's where I was heading until Ernie showed up."
Instead of wowing Army fans at Michie Stadium, Little became a star running back and kick returner for the Orange. He was a three-time All-American from 1964-66 and still holds school records for career touchdowns (46) and career punts returned for touchdowns (six). He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in both his junior and senior years, before going on to star with the Denver Broncos, amassing more than 12,000 all-purpose yards during a nine-year career.
After he retired in 1975, Little earned a law degree from the University of Denver and became a successful Ford dealer for three decades before retiring two years ago. He also served as a consultant and instructor for Ford's Minority Dealers Program.
Soon to be 69, Little, a frequent guest over the years at Syracuse football games, said he was ready for his new challenge and would work with every sport, not just football. He placed no time limit on how long he would stay on staff but expected to remain at least 5-7 years.
"I am really at the top of my game right now, and I know that I've got some good years left," said Little, who was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2010. "I'm honored to be here. I represent Syracuse University in everything I do, everywhere I go. Now, there's a reason to come back. I want to be that person to help make Syracuse University what it used to be athletically."
Among Little's key roles will be fund raising, and he's ready for that challenge.
"Reaching out to those alums that have been very successful who have gotten an opportunity at Syracuse University - they're obligated to give back," he said. "My obligation is to go and ask them."
Little already has made a mark in another role. He was a key member of the search committee that picked Doug Marrone to be football coach. In just his second season, Marrone guided Syracuse to an 8-5 record last fall, its first winning season in a decade and a huge turnaround from the tenure of Greg Robinson, who won only 10 games in four forgettable seasons.
Marrone, basketball coach Jim Boeheim, and lacrosse coach John Desko - all of them Syracuse alumni - were among those who welcomed Little back.
"It's like going out and getting the No. 1 in the country from an excitement standpoint. We wish he had eligibility left," Marrone said with a smile. "I think he will be a great asset, not only to the people that are outside the program. He will also have a great effect on the players, being able to be around them on a daily basis."
Boeheim, a 1966 graduate, concurred.
"You want to bring grads back if they're good. That's the key," he said. "He's the most loyal former player that we have. He's always been there for us from Day 1 and he's always positive. He's perfect to come back here and help us. When you have legends in the building, it's never a bad thing."
Little's wife, DeBorah, a native of Syracuse, joined him at the press conference, as did Chancellor Nancy Cantor. Even former star running back Walter Reyes, who's completing his studies this summer, couldn't pass up the chance to say hello.
"It's just an honor and a privilege," said Reyes, second all-time in rushing for the Orange with 3,424 yards from 2001-04. Reyes tore three muscles behind his right shoulder in his final regular-season game at Syracuse, reinjured the shoulder in a bowl game and was never drafted. "You were one heck of a player, sir."
So, too, was Davis, who died of leukemia in 1963 at age 23 before playing a game for the Cleveland Browns.
"I have tried to emulate who Ernie was and what he would be," Little said. "My life has really been tied to Ernie's life because I wanted to be the Ernie Davis that couldn't be. That's how I lived my life, because of Ernie Davis not having the chance to live his."
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
