Mike Battle, USC All-American and Jets defensive back, dead at 78

Mike Battle, an All-American defensive back at USC and a former member of the Jets died last week, the university announced Tuesday. 

Battle died in Nellysford, Virginia, on March 6 of natural causes.

He was 78.

Battle won a national championship with USC in 1967 and was then taken in the 12th round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Jets. 

During his two seasons with Gang Green, he appeared in 28 regular season games and one playoff contest.

Battle even appeared in a film starring teammate Joe Namath and actress Ann-Margret in 1970 called “C.C. and Company.”

Battle was a star on the gridiron in his college days, helping USC win three conference championships in as many years (1966-68). 

Each season culminated with a Rose Bowl appearance. 

Battle was the Trojans’ punt return leader all three seasons, and he still holds the school record for most punts returned (99). 

He was the NCAA statistical champ in 1967 with his 49 punt returns for 608 yards and a 12.4-yard average. 

On defense, he’s tied for sixth in school history in career interceptions (13 for 148 yards).

Battle was the team’s interception leader with five in 1967.