Michael Leonard Battle

July 9, 1946 - March 7, 2025

Michael Leonard Battle passed away peacefully in his home on March 7, 2025 at the age of 78. A distinguished athlete, devoted family man, and cherished friend, Mike's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to those he loved and the countless lives he touched.

Born on July 9, 1946 in South Gate, CA to Frank and Nadine Battle, Mike's zest for life became evident at an early age. With the encouragement of his uncle Art, Mike realized his love for football and quickly immersed himself in the game. He attended Lawndale High School before committing to the University of Southern California, where he was a pivotal member of the Trojan's team and became an All-American defensive back. During his tenure from 1966 to 1968, Mike contributed to three conference championships, each culminating in Rose Bowl appearances. He led the NCAA in punt returns in 1967, amassing 608 yards on 49 returns, a USC single-season record that still stands. His career total of 99 punt returns for 1,014 yards remains a school record. Defensively, he recorded 13 interceptions, tying him for sixth in USC history. Mike was selected in the 12th round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the New York Jets where he continued to impress people with his gutsy play. One of his favorite memories of his time with the Jets was during the first Jets vs Giants meeting in 1969 during which he ran back an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown, but had to physically hurdle another player to do so. Mike was a formidable opponent, his athletic abilities were wildly impressive to watch and hear about.

A football player turned actor, rancher, and father, Mike was a man of many talents. He appeared in the 1970 film "C.C. And Company" alongside teammate, Joe Namath, where he portrayed a personality much like his own, riding motorcycles and living life to the fullest with a huge smile on his face. After his time in New York, Mike moved to Texas where his love for ranching began. His impressive abilities were not limited to the football field as he could ride horses and rope cattle with ease and finesse.

Mike eventually moved with his wife, Laura, and children to Virginia where their family continued to grow. Settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mike began skiing, golfing, and chauffeuring his kids to and from different athletic endeavors of their own. His passion and dedication to sports was seamlessly passed down to his children, and you could almost always find him in the stands of different sporting events throughout the seasons. His vivacious personality endeared him to many and he was always there to quickly lend a hand if you needed him. Mike's legacy is one of unwavering support and genuine compassion, with an innate ability to make those around him feel valued and understood. His infectious smile and positive outlook left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Having lived life so fearlessly, Mike's body became his final battle. While his personality continued to shine through, his body began failing him years ago. In true Mike Battle fashion he fought and displayed unrelenting toughness all of the way to the end. Mike was aware of his decline and the impact his contribution could have, so it was decided that his brain would be donated to Boston University's CTE Center for CTE research.

Mike's laugh and sweet smile will be missed by many, but we find comfort in knowing he is running around on a football field somewhere, truly back to his best self. He is survived by his wife, Laura; and children, Daniel, Christian, Hunter, Frank, Michael, Kathleen, Murphy, and Annie; and a growing gaggle of grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston University's CTE Center, Payable to "Trustees of Boston University"Memo Line: "BU CTE Center" and mailed to: Boston University Development.

Gift Processing, JPMorgan Chase & Co., P.O. Box 22605, New York, NY 10087-2605 or online by visiting www.bu.edu/cte/financial-support.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home in Fishersville, VA. Share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.charltonandgroomefunerahome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress on Mar. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Battle

Sponsored by Charlton & Groome Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

6 Entries

Donald W. Held

April 28, 2025

To the entire Battle family, I along with my brother John (a teammate and good friend at Lawndale HS) wish to extend our sincere condolences on Mike's passing. I was a ten year old kid when Mike and John were seniors at LHS. I was on the sidelines for every game Mike played and I can honestly say, he remains the greatest, most electrifying football player I have ever seen. I myself played with and against numerous players that were successful college and NFL players however none were as impressive as Mike Battle. I wish everyone could witness his God gifted ability when he was a young man. He ran like a deer and could hurdle an opponent in full stride with grace and fluidity. He truly was a remarkable athlete that would do something every game to electrify the crowd with his talent. He was a QB and safety in HS before his All American years at USC. As everyone is aware, Mike played with reckless abandon in a time when that style of play was appreciated. Mike would stick his head in a buzz saw to make a tackle. When you saw Mike Battle run with the ball you were aware you were in the presence of greatness. Additionally, I remember when I was a ten year old boy, Mike would come over to our home in Lawndale to visit my brother John and as soon as I'd see Mike pull into our driveway in his teal Thunderbird, I'd race to grab a football to be ready to play catch with Mike. He truly was one of the elite greats in the south bay area of southern California, an area historically well known for talented athletes. RIP #27 LHS Cardinals, #17 USC Trojans and #40 NY Jets. RIP Mike. You did good.

Tom Merrick

April 18, 2025

Great memories playing sports and running around with Mike in his early years in Covina, California. RIP Mike, may the perpetual light shine upon you.

Tim Crawford

April 15, 2025

Condolences to the Battle family from the Crawfords. I´m glad I got to know him for the short time I coached the kids at NCHS. RIP Mike.

RICHARD BARTNETT

April 1, 2025

My deepest condolences to Mike's wife Laura and ALL his children.
I met Mike for the first time in August 1965. It was right after he had played in the North South Shiners game of graduating HS seniors, a prestigious honor. We were working out at Long Beach City College when I met this skinny kid with exceptionally large hands and a likeable personality, we hit it off right away and remained friends until his death, we did have 20 plus year of no contact however in the early 2000's a friend told me that Mike had been mentioned in article about the Trojans playing a kickoff classic in Washington DC, so tracked him down in Virginia. I somehow got a phone number for him, called it and asked for him and one his daughters explained that he taken her brother to skiing event, so i just said to her my name and tell him called and to my surprise she said "I know who you are my dad talks about you all the time.' I was shocked to hear that, anyway he called me back the next day. We pretty much picked up where we left 20 plus years before.
Mike was one of the most fearless guys I've ever know, all 178 pounds of him. his nickname was "Razor" because he would razor people on the football field with his 178 pound razor thin body.
One of my first experiences of him of the field was in our first game of the '65 season at LBCC. I've told this story countless times. We were well ahead in the second half and Mike, a DB was put in as a flanker, (talented player). He ran an out and up pattern and was running down out sideline and outrbackup QB (Dennis Parks) lofted a beautiful ball down the sideline. The ball was slightly overthrown not by much, but Mike dove and extended, e was paralle to the ground caught the ball in his fingertips, tucked in and sammed down into the ground on his stomach. He had no regard for the consequences, his full attention was on making the catch which he did. I saw that play and the first thing that popped into head was, "I'm glad that guy is my team."
We had alot crazy, fun times over the next several years and we got a chance to renew our friendship for last 20 years.
We attended the infamous Norte Dame / SC game in South Bend where Reggie Bush scored on the final play. After the game we were standing together waiting for everyone to congregate to leave, when former SC great Mike McKeever shouted out from a distance away, "Battle, you're my idol!!!" We cracked up.
RIP, my friend.

Tony Mitchell

March 27, 2025

I coached Mike's son in the 8th grade at Amherst Middle School. He was a delight. Good athlete, great smile. I, also, knew who his dad was in college and as a NFL player. I was quite intimidated but he treated me with total respect and I never forgot him or his son. RIP Mike.

William Sabino

March 22, 2025

He led a good life.

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