Milt Davis facts for kids

Milton Eugene Davis (born May 31, 1929 – died September 29, 2008) was a talented American football player. He played as a defensive back for the Baltimore Colts in the NFL. Milton Davis played for four seasons and was known for catching the ball from opposing teams. He led the NFL in interceptions in both 1957 and 1959.

Early Life and Education

Milton Davis was born on May 31, 1929, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. His birthplace was on the Fort Gibson Indian reservation. His father had both African American and Native American heritage. When he was a toddler, his family moved to Los Angeles, California.

School Days and College

Milton went to Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. After high school, he attended Los Angeles City College. While studying, he also worked as a counselor at a Jewish orphanage called Vista Del Mar.

His amazing performance in track and field sports helped him get a partial scholarship. This scholarship allowed him to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He joined the UCLA Bruins football team in 1952 and 1953. His coach was Red Sanders. Milton Davis even played in the important 1954 Rose Bowl game. His team lost that game 28–20 to the Michigan State Spartans.

NFL Career Highlights

In 1954, the Detroit Lions football team chose Milton Davis in the NFL draft. However, in the same year, he was also drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Army for two years.

Joining the Baltimore Colts

After returning from the Army, the Detroit Lions told him he could not join their team. They said they did not have another black player for him to travel with. This was a difficult time for many black players in the league.

Luckily, the Baltimore Colts gave Milton Davis a chance. They offered him a tryout and signed him as a free agent. This meant he could join their team without being drafted.

Rookie Season Success

Milton Davis had an amazing first year, or rookie season, in 1957. He caught 10 interceptions from opposing teams. He ran a total of 219 yards with these interceptions. Two of his interceptions even led to touchdowns for his team. One of these was a long 75-yard run! Because of his great play, he was named to the Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team that season. This meant he was one of the best players in the league.

Championship Wins

In the 1958 season, Milton Davis made four more interceptions. These plays helped his team a lot. He played in the 1958 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants. This famous game was played at Yankee Stadium. Even with two broken bones in his right foot, Davis played incredibly well. He forced a fumble from Giants running back Frank Gifford. This play helped the Colts score a touchdown. The Colts won the game 23–17 in overtime. People still call this game "The Greatest Game Ever Played."

Milton Davis continued his strong performance in 1959. He had seven interceptions that season. He ran 119 yards with these interceptions, including a 57-yard touchdown run. In the 1959 NFL Championship Game, the Colts played the Giants again. The Colts won for the second year in a row, with a score of 31–16. In 1960, his last season, he had six more interceptions.

Life After Football

Milton Davis was upset about how black players were treated in the NFL. Hotels and restaurants were often segregated, meaning black players could not stay or eat with their white teammates. Because of this unfair treatment, he decided to retire from the NFL after only four seasons.

Education and Later Career

After leaving football, Milton Davis went back to UCLA. He completed his doctorate degree in education. He also worked as a scout for several NFL teams. A scout helps find new talented players. He also taught at John Marshall High School.

From 1964 to 1989, he was a professor of natural history at Los Angeles City College. After his teaching career, he retired to Oregon with his wife. There, he enjoyed raising animals like cattle, llama, and sheep.

Milton Davis passed away in Elmira, Oregon, on September 29, 2008. He was 79 years old and died from brain cancer.