|
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Battle, an All-American
defensive back and a member of USC’s 1967 national championship
team who later played two seasons for the New York Jets, has
died. He was 78.
He died of natural causes on March 6 in Nellysford, Virginia,
the school said Tuesday.
In 1967, Battle led a USC defense which allowed only 87 points
all season. The Trojans were 26-6-1 and won three conference
titles during his three-year career. Battle played in the 1967,
1968 and 1969 Rose Bowl games, all won by the Trojans.
Battle was USC’s annual punt return leader in each of his three
seasons and still owns the school record for most punts returned
in a season. He was the NCAA statistical champion in 1967, when
he had 49 returns for 608 yards, a 12.4-yard average. He also
holds the school mark for most punts returned with 99 during his
three years.
He was chosen in the 12th round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the New
York Jets and played for two seasons in 1969 and '70.
Battle appeared in the 1970 film “C.C. and Company,” a biker
film starring his Jets teammate Joe Namath and actor
Ann-Margret.
He is survived by his wife Laura and children Christian Michael,
Hunter, Frank, Michael, Kathleen, Murphy and Annie.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
