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.

Mike Battle, the Jets defensive back and kick returner known best for his first big play for the Green & White in a 1969 game that paradoxically didn't count yet figured bigtime in franchise history, has died. Battle, who was 78, reportedly died of natural causes on March 6 in Virginia.

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, died last week. He was 78.

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.