Glenn Woodward Davis American football linebacker Date of Birth: 26.12.1924 Country: USA

1. Glenn Davis: The Touchdown King
2. Early Life and Collegiate Career
3. Heisman Trophy and National Recognition
4. Professional Career and Later Life

Glenn Davis: The Touchdown King

Glenn Davis, an American football halfback, achieved an impressive 20 touchdowns in a single season, a record that remained unmatched for a decade. Davis averaged 8.3 rushing yards per carry during his career, peaking at 11.5 yards in 1945, a record that still stands.

Early Life and Collegiate Career

Born on December 26, 1924, in Burbank, California, Davis excelled in football at Bonita High School. He and his twin brother Ralph initially planned to attend the University of Southern California but were persuaded by a congressional appointment to West Point.

At West Point, Davis earned consensus All-American honors three times in football and also excelled in baseball, basketball, and track and field. As a cadet, he set an initial record with 59 rushing touchdowns. In 1945, he held the season rushing yard average record of 11.5. Partnering with Doc Blanchard, he set a 97-game touchdown scoring record that was later broken by Reggie Bush and LenDale White (99 touchdowns).

Heisman Trophy and National Recognition

Davis won the Maxwell Award as the nation's top player in 1944 and the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding college football player in 1946. He was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in the same year. In 1989, the stadium in his hometown of La Verne was named in his honor.

Professional Career and Later Life

After graduating, Davis served three years in the military before joining the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. A knee injury in 1952 forced his retirement from professional football. He went on to work for the Los Angeles Times for three decades as director of special events.

Davis passed away at age 80 on March 9, 2005, in La Quinta, California, after a battle with prostate cancer. He was survived by his wife, Yvonne Amesh Davis, and two sons: Ralph and adopted son John Slack III.