Mike Battle - #40 - S - Southern California - Profile

PRO: Burst onto New York scene as one of most exciting rookies since Joe Namath joined the Jets . . . broke an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Giants in the pre-season ... led the Jets in both kickoff returns and punt returns ... ran back kickoffs 31 times for 750 yards (24.2) and took punts 34 times for 235 yards (6.9) ... fifth in the AFL in punt returns and ninth in kickoff returns ... set club record for most punts returned in a season (34) and in a game, twice returning five ... gained reputation as a totally fearless player ... his style of hurdling would-be tacklers captured the imagination of Jet crowds ... only called for four fair catches during the season, preferring to run everyone back ... broke a 45-yard kickoff return against Boston at Shea which set up the Jets first touchdown in a 23-17 victory ... drafted 12th by the Jets.

PERSONAL: Single uncle Art Battle played for Trojans in '45-47 enjoys hunting, fishing in spare time ... in demand as a banquet speaker ... rates beating Notre Dame in '67 as his biggest college sports thrill ... part owner of men's hairstyling salon, Battle & Clyde's, with Knicks' Walt Frazier ... had a part in the movie "C. C. Ryder and Company" with Joe Namath last spring ...

Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.

From 1970 Jets yearbook.