Why Did It Happen to Me

By Elgin Davis

This life-altering narrative unveils real events, touching moments, and unusual insights into the life of a budding NFL star. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by Elgin Davis courage and faith, as he battles pain, disappointment and grief. His dreams of NFL stardom are shattered by recurring injuries, and the brutal murder of his best friend and teammate. While coping with all this, plus marriage and wealth, he finds renewed faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 21, 2008
• ISBN: 9781467040709

Elgin Davis

“Elgin Davis’ book is both captivating and motivating. I just could not put it down ‘till I was done. As a retired athlete and business professional, I was able to incorporate several of Elgin’s philosophies into my life and business practice. This book has improved both my life and my business. Reading it was as exciting as listening to Elgin speak in person.” Marquette D. Smith, MBA, Founder Smith Group PI, Inc., CEO of ICS of Florida, VP Enlightenment Sports Management, USA Today Player for the Year, Parade All American Player of Year, Gatorade National Player of Year “Elgin Davis is one of the most ethical, hard-working, professional former NFL players I have had the privilege of knowing.” Mike Mcbath, Chairman of the Board for NFL Former Players Association “Why Did It Happen to Me? is one of the best player re-creations of life’s lessons that I have ever read! Remarkably done!” Steve Pisarkiewicz, VP for Orlando Chapter NFLPA “Elgin Davis embodies the ‘American Dream.’ His story inspires and gives hope that you can achieve what you perceive...so believe.” “Doc” It’s Gametime with Ace and the Doc, Popular Radio Host “I found Why Did It Happen to Me? a compelling story of a gifted young man destined for greatness. His steadfast faith and love for his parents, siblings and special people in his life sustained Elgin Davis through his rise and fall in the NFL. I believe his greatness is yet to come – off the football field!” Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville, 43-Year Veteran Educator, Author, Ghost Writer, Tutor

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© 2008 Elgin Davis. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse    04/05/2016

ISBN: 978-1-4389-0692-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4389-0693-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-4070-9 (e)

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

www.ElginDavis.com

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Endorsements

Introduction

Section I: Dawn

1111 Rushing Street

A Family Affair

Under The Influence

The Good Samaritan

Made In The U.s.a.

One Love

I Believe

A Sense Of Purpose

The Power Within

Truth Be Told

In My Own Words

The Voyage

Section II: Noon

The University Of Central Florida

Breaking Chains

Tilling The Ground

Broken Wings

We Fall Down, But We Get Up!

Section III: Evening

The Natonal Football League

Let’s Get It On

I Think I Can

Training Camp

Welcome To The Nfl –

Proceed With Caution

911

Giants In The Land

Rip Currents

I Feel Like Going On

I Do

Veteran Affairs

A Friend Of Mine

Mission Impossible

Still Standing

Section IV: Midnight

Farewell

Keeping The Faith

The Wilderness

Islam

The Crucifiction

The Resurrection

Epilogue

Appendix

About The Author

PREFACE

The completion of this book is a tremendous blessing and one of life’s greatest accomplishments. This book solidified my purpose, and I’ll never forget this unique and cultivating experience. Eighteen years ago on a cool brisk autumn afternoon, I made my way to the top of Diamond Hill Mountain in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and there I reflected on life’s journey.

I wondered how I became so successful, in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles forged against me. God delivered me through life’s vicissitudes to become a prominent NFL player, minister, husband, father, and a citizen of good will. It was truly an honor introducing the world to my family, especially my mother and father. I never could have become the man I am today without their help and love. Through this book, their memory will never be forgotten, and their spirits shall live on forever.

My prayers speak for the meek and broken hearted, and I sympathize with those that have fallen short along life’s journey. Therefore, I offer this book as my gift to you.

To all who have prayed and inspired me with words of encouragement, or fasted as a token of human sacrifice for God’s acceptance of this book, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Words are just not adequate to express my deepest gratitude.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First, I’d like to give God all the glory and honor for blessing me so abundantly. This book is dedicated to my mother, Azalene James, and my father, Fred Davis, my grandparents, Jeadie Davis, Daddy Joe, and Momma Mae.

To my Aunts and Uncles in Jesup, especially Vern Gibbs, who always treated me like her son. To my cousins, thanks Jackie for teaching me how to catch my first baseball.

Lenny, thank you for the wisdom that you imparted to me; I could never have made it without you. Jack and Oretha Jackson, thanks for being there for both my father and grandmother. To Brother Alvin Mitchell, I love you so much for who you are. I will never forget the love and patience that you demonstrated to my dad; you are truly an angel.

To Nancy Bellas and Valerie Fuqua, thank you for being a friend in a time of need. To my sister, Stacy James and my nephew Ahmad, I carry your hopes and dreams deeply in my heart. To Reverend Charles Dailey and family, thanks for your inspiration and prayers. To my friends Jack Johnson, Vernon Wheeler, and Darryl Usher, thank you for the precious memories that you left behind and those that are yet to come.

To Kirt Mitchell, thank you for your guidance and support of this project. To my ex-wife Renita, I thank you for giving me two beautiful daughters, Angelica and Yasmeen. To Joe and Hazel Reed, thank you for your unconditional love and support.

Thank you Felicia, for giving me Myka and sharing Stephen. Thanks Veronique for sharing your heart; the memories shall live forever. To Emma, thanks for helping to nurture me into the man that I am today; your love will always be felt.

To my dear friend and angel Allison Pate, words are inadequate to express my appreciation for your unyielding sacrifice and support. Thanks for being a shoulder to cry on, but most of all thanks for being a good listener. You are truly a blessing, and your spirit shall live within me forever. Finally, to Minister Farrakhan, thank you for introducing me to Islam and exemplifying the greatest example of humility, sacrifice, and love of God.

ENDORSEMENTS

Why Did It Happen To Me? This is a great read about how a young man works hard to reach his goals, then deal with injury and disappointment, and finally realize what is really important.

Proverbs 17:17, Alan Gooch, Executive Director, Orlando Sports Foundation, Former UCF Football Coach.

Elgin Davis’ book is both captivating and motivating. I just could not put it down ‘till I was done. As a retired athlete and business professional, I was able to incorporate several of Elgin’s philosophies into my life and business practice. This book has improved both my life and my business. Reading it was as exciting as listening to Elgin speak in person.

Marquette D. Smith, MBA, Founder Smith Group PI, Inc., CEO of ICS of Florida, VP Enlightenment Sports Management, USA Today Player for the Year, Parade All American Player of Year, Gatorade National Player of Year.

Elgin Davis is one of the most ethical, hard-working, professional former NFL players I have had the privilege of knowing.

Mike Mcbath, Chairman of the Board for NFL Former Players Association.

"Why Did It Happen to Me? is one of the best player re-creations of life’s lessons that I have ever read! Remarkably done!"

Steve Pisarkiewicz, VP for Orlando Chapter NFLPA.

Elgin Davis is a true inspiration. He’s a man who has overcome adversity, and made the best of the ‘cards he was dealt.’ This is truly a great read.

Ace It’s Gametime with Ace and the Doc, Popular Radio Host.

"Elgin Davis is more than just a friend or business colleague. When Elgin comes into your life or your organization, he brings inspiration and passion to make your team better, and he brings it from the perspective of someone who has lived it. Elgin’s varied career paths have shown him what it takes to achieve peak performance, whether on the athletic field, in the office, or being in front of thousands of people.

I have personally seen how hard Elgin works to achieve his personal goals, while being able to give credit to somebody else in a truly selfless manner. Elgin is a quality person and someone with whom I am honored to be associated."

Scott Matthews, VP of Business Development for Westgate Resorts, former St. Louis Cardinals Player.

Elgin Davis embodies the ‘American Dream.’ His story inspires and gives hope that you can achieve what you perceive…so believe.

Doc It’s Gametime with Ace and the Doc, Popular Radio Host.

"I found Why Did It Happen to Me? a compelling story of a gifted young man destined for greatness. His steadfast faith and love for his parents, siblings and special people in his life sustained Elgin Davis through his rise and fall in the NFL. I believe his greatness is yet to come – off the football field!"

Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville, 43-Year Veteran Educator, Author, Ghost Writer, Tutor .

INTRODUCTION

Nightfall 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 unparalleled 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 to 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. Blacks owned homes and businesses, and a piece of the American dream was becoming as common as fried chicken and collard greens. We were Black and proud!

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. Heck, we even sent a man to the moon for the very first time. But sadly, the 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.

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, the world has never been the same…and this is my story!

SECTION I: DAWN

1111 Rushing Street

My parents, Fred and Azalene, were simple folks with hearts as pure as gold. My father was a rare gem, and his true beauty was manifested by his glowing charm. My grandfather’s untimely death forced him to assume the daily responsibilities of manhood at the tender age of thirteen. Daddy attended the funeral draped in his father’s suit, and he stuffed his shoes with cardboard to cover the holes.

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Dad worked a paper route after school to help pay bills. His mother was a strong Black woman who represented freedom and independence. She didn’t believe in living in debt, because it led to slavery and oppression. The only person she was in debt to was God.

My grandmother, who was known as J, was a tall, fair-skinned woman, with curly black hair and Native American features. She was a woman of the earth, a farm girl. When I was a little boy, I helped her grow vegetables in the garden. During spring, we harvested fruits and vegetables for lunch and dinner.

When we were in need of household items, J hitched a ride from someone going in the direction of her favorite store. Day Light was a rundown grocery store that was nestled in the heart of the ghetto. The store catered to selling cheap food, like pigtails and neck bones, which accommodated the needs of the poor.

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J’s uncontrollable craving for wild and exotic food became a tradition that authenticated her uniqueness. She’d jump over two cows to catch a possum! To earn extra money, she’d wash clothes and cook meals for the local labor men.

We were the first Black family on the block to own a home. Daddy was constantly chased by neighborhood bullies. But J was hard and stern. She demanded that he fight back and defend himself by any means necessary.

Dad’s true love was basketball, but his hopes of playing in the NBA were drenched in sorrow after sustaining a devastating knee injury. Dad slid into the gym wall and ripped his knee into shreds. It was a tragic injury to say the least. My father had an undeniable spirit to excel.

He practiced shooting tin cans at night, and swam during the day to rehabilitate his knee. Remarkably, he returned and reclaimed his starting position. Heroically, he received a standing ovation and became Stanton’s most acclaimed player. As an athlete, I embraced his passion, and giving up was never an option. Dad taught me how to overcome difficulty by having the right attitude and determination.

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My mom was one of eight children from a small country town in Georgia. Most of the town’s residents were blue-collar workers. They believed in keeping life simple and easy. My mother’s parents were sharecroppers who raised hogs and chickens to make ends meet.

Often, we’d travel to the family farm in Surrency to butcher a hog. The process was ruthless. Uncle Waymon loaded his double barrel shotgun and fired at the hog at close range. Blood splattered and stained our garments. Scalding hot water was poured onto the carcass to remove the hair. Skillfully, Uncle Waymon butchered the carcass and divided it among the family. Momma Mae bid for the most delectable part, the intestines. It was considered a delicacy; we called them chitterlings.

During the summer, I’d run bare-foot, and play hide and go seek with my cousins on the rich clay roads until I passed out! I don’t think life could’ve gotten any better!

Back in those days, Blacks lived in little tin-roof, shot-gun houses with cracks between the floor boards; you could even see rats running underneath. During the winter, we nearly froze, and during the summer, we burned up, but no one complained. Back in those days, no one feared being hurt or harmed. At night, we slept with our windows open and our doors unlocked. Each man was his brother’s keeper. Getting credit at the corner store until payday was never a problem because a man’s word was more precious than gold. The lessons I learned from those experiences proved to be monumental in developing my character.

A Family Affair

Mom moved with Auntie to Jacksonville in the early Sixties to attend Walkers College, and that’s where she met Dad. Their irresistible passion for each other culminated into Mom giving birth to me on a cool autumn day. Daddy envisioned me playing basketball, and named me after his favorite player. Elgin Baylor was a dazzling performer for the LA Lakers.

Everybody admired Dad. He had a magnetic personality. Unfortunately, Dad’s precarious lifestyle led to excessive drinking. He stopped working and hung out at the local bars and pool hall. He became an alcoholic and remained unemployed for eleven years. Dad was loud and rambunctious. He preferred hanging out in the streets and was well equipped for the urban lifestyle.

Often, Dad snuck me into the local nightclubs to meet the celebrities that entertained in town. Those little clubs later became known as the chitterling circuit because Blacks weren’t allowed to perform in major venues.

One of those entertainers was Jackie Wilson. He autographed my first baby picture. There were others, like David Ruffin of the Temptations. As I grew older, I overheard Dad talking about David Ruffin. He had a terrible drug addiction, and, tragically, was found murdered.

On rare occasions, Dad would take me to my doctor visits while Mom worked. The women thought that it was cute, especially when he’d pin my diaper up wrong.

However, Dad was most impressed meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, his wife Coretta, and their children.

Under the Influence

My dad’s drinking and lifestyle forged an insurmountable wedge in my parents’ relationship. Mom worked odd jobs to keep food on the table. Soon she moved out and got an apartment on Flag Street; it was a desirable location for Blacks. Dad’s condition gradually worsened. One day J sent me to the bar to get Daddy for dinner. I saw him lying in the ditch drunk. My heart dropped and I felt so much love for him. I said in a tender voice, Come on Daddy, get up. It’s time to go eat. Even at the age of five, I had the best interests for my daddy at heart. I helped him to his feet.

We struggled and staggered home down the hopeless streets of despair, while kids stared and laughed. Consequently, I bore the brunt of his pain and suffering, and it shaped my destiny. Learning how to love and sacrifice came at an early age, but not without a price to be paid.

As a kid, I played recklessly. I had no fear; I was a daredevil, to say the least. Often, I’d jeopardize my safety with foolish stunts. Mom’s heart nearly faltered when she would rescue me from the ledge of our third floor balcony. A loss of balance would have sent me plummeting several stories onto the concrete below. The consequences would have been catastrophic.

However, my greatest thrill was fishing with Daddy’s poles. I had a vivid imagination - Dad’s trophies were a perfect catch! Often, I’d tie them to his poles and reel them up to the balcony. Dad’s presence was always welcome, as I yelled, Look Daddy, I caught a big one! He’d smile and shake his head.

My best friend was Danny. He lived downstairs. We’d play until I heard Dad call me just before sunset. I’d run full speed and wouldn’t stop until I jumped into my daddy’s arms. I followed Dad inside and listened while his singing group, The Four Counts, drank liquor and mimicked the Temptations.

Later that year, my mom and dad separated, but she was determined to survive. Before work, she’d walk miles in the blistering heat with me on her shoulders. Thirsty and fatigued, Mom dragged herself into the house, where J poured her a cool drink.

It was J who taught me the secrets of the land. Her name was Jeadie, but it was hard for me to pronounce, so I called her J. On many crisp autumn nights, I sat on the floor next to J while she peeled purple sticks with a butcher knife. She made sure to spread newspaper over the floor to catch the peelings as they dropped. I’ll never forget the way J smacked, as juice dripped down her chin. It wasn’t long before I was smacking on those purple sticks with her; I loved them. Later, I found out those sticks were called sugar cane.

J always sent me home with a good meal; she loved cooking.

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Many nights, Mom was late picking me up and I’d sit in a corner and weep until I heard J’s comforting voice say, Don’t cry, it’s alright, your momma’s coming. I loved my mother with all my heart. Often, I waited in front of the gate hoping to catch a glimpse of her. When she arrived, I ran quickly and jumped into her arms. I told my mom that when she died, I wanted to die with her.

I had a special bond with my mom and dad. I miss those days very much. That was thirty-five years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

The Good Samaritan

Eventually, Mom had had enough and divorced Daddy. She married a preacher, Joseph James. Lenny was his middle name and that’s what I called him. Lenny appeared to be a genius; he knew everything. He was a self-educated man that read a lot. He made a good living as a longshoreman and life was more comfortable. Mom’s walking days were over.

While enjoying a family outing one day, I challenged Lenny’s authority with my childish, but barbaric behavior. He bent over to retrieve an item and I kicked him in the ass! Mom was embarrassed. She placed her hand over her mouth and screamed, No! Elgin, no! Bystanders looked astounded while Lenny and Mom scolded me. The silly grin on my face quickly disappeared with the presence of Lenny’s belt.

The next day was a horrific memory that pierced my heart. As Mom and I drove Lenny to work, we passed the bar where Dad hung out. We stopped at the traffic light. Daddy was sitting on the sidewalk drunk and dirty. However, he held his head up high with dignity and pride, and so did I. We stared into each other’s eyes and waved until we faded away into the horizon. It was a painful experience that haunts me to this day.

Made in the U.S.A.

I was seven years old when we moved into our new house. It had a pool and a lake in the backyard. I loved fishing in the lake for bass and brim. I didn’t have a fishing pole, just a string and hook. I caught all the fish I wanted. Quickly, I learned the patterns of the lake. In the early morning, the brim fed on live worms and bread.

However, it was much harder catching fish in the heat of the day. In late evening, right before sunset, the lake was at its best! Not only did I catch brim, but also bass and catfish. On some occasions, I swam in the lake. Mom was afraid of the hidden dangers that lurked beneath, so I stopped. The lake became my second home.

Growing up as an only child was lonely. However, I considered myself extremely lucky because I had the greatest mom in the world. She made sure I had a nutritious meal, clean clothes, and a bath at night.

When Mom walked into the bathroom, I made sure to cover up. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. That was a clear sign that I was growing up. However, a part of me enjoyed being a child, especially playing in the tub with my toys.

When I finished bathing, it was time for dinner. Exotic food wasn’t on the menu; Lenny preferred traditional meals. I was being groomed to fit perfectly in society. From this experience, I learned how to live a diverse lifestyle; it became an integral part of my foundation.

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Every night Mom braided my hair. She didn’t like it packed down and nappy. I’ll never forget the night Mom forgot to braid my hair. The next morning, she straightened my hair with a hot comb until all the kinks were out. When she got close to the edge, she’d say, Be still, I don’t want to burn you. I didn’t twitch a muscle.

Minutes later, I had an instant blow out! In those days, whoever had the most hair was the most popular. The competition was steep, especially at an all-Black school.

Well, Mom had run out of conditioner, and my hair was dry and brittle. She did the unthinkable, and went to the refrigerator and got the chicken grease from dinner the night before. We were used to improvising, but never like that! To make a long story short, my