Defensive back Mike Battle, who won a National Championship at the University of Southern California before being drafted by the New York Jets in 1969, has died.
The South Gate, Calif., native was 78. He died in Nellysford, Va., last Thursday of natural causes, according to USC.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Battle’s greatest moments on the gridiron came during his playing days with the Trojans. He helps USC win three Conference Championships and a National Championship (1967) en route to being named an All-American on two occasions.
He played in three straight Rose Bowls during his USC days. He returned punts for USC and is still the record-holder for most punts returned (99).
Battle also had 13 interceptions at USC.
Battle appeared in 28 regular-season games and one playoff contest during his two seasons with the Jets. Although he primarily returned punts and kicks with the Jets, he did have one career interception.
He appeared with star quarterback Joe Namath and actress Ann-Margret in a movie called C.C. and Company — playing the role of Rabbit — in 1970.