Pro contract was rookie record

Ernie Davis signed his only pro football contract with the Cleveland Browns in 1961, but it wasnt until 18 years later that the details became public.

First reported at $80,000, the three-year deal was actually worth $200,000, according to a report in the Star-Gazette on Oct. 18, 1979. At the time of the signing, it was the most lucrative contract ever for a pro football rookie.

The article was based on an interview with Elmira lawyer A. William (Tony) DeFilippo, who negotiated the deal for Davis. DeFilippo told the paper he was releasing the details because of the controversy surrounding a book written by former Browns coach Paul Brown, who claimed team owner Art Modell wanted him to play the ailing Davis because of the financial investment hed made a charge Modell denied.

DeFilippo told the paper the deal broke down this way:

- $80,000 for playing football, including a $15,000 signing bonus.
- $60,000 in ancillary rights typically, for the use of a players image in marketing.
- $60,000 for off-season employment.

Davis signed the contract in late December 1961 while he was in San Francisco practicing for the East-West Shrine Game.

DeFilippo said Davis had to play with the Browns to collect on the first part of the deal which he never did. He said Davis was paid monthly on the other two parts until his death on May 18, 1963.

DeFilippo said Davis turned down an offer of $250,000 from the Buffalo Bills, then of the old American Football League. That was $50,000 more than the Browns gave him, but the lawyer said Davis was impressed with Modell and wanted to play alongside Jim Brown, a former Orangeman who had helped recruit him to Syracuse.

DeFilippo confirmed one fact that had been reported 18 years earlier that Davis showed up for the contract signing with 16 cents in his pocket.