 Davis was chosen by the Washington Redskins with the first overall pick in the 1962 draft, but while Davis was the first black player ever selected by Washington, team owner George Preston Marshall made the move only after being given an ultimatum to add an African-American player or risk losing his stadium lease.Davis demanded a trade, leaving the door open to the Browns, who signed him to a three-year contract worth $80,000.As Davis was preparing for the College All-Star Game, however, he came down with a mystery illness and was later diagnosed with leukemia.