Julius Bernard Battista (October 1, 1916 – November 2, 1984)[1] was an American football guard. He played college football at Florida and was drafted in the seventh round (51st overall) of the 1941 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.[2]
| Florida Gators | |
|---|---|
| Position | Guard |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 1, 1916 Endicott, New York, U.S. |
| Died: | August 13, 1986 (aged 72) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College | Florida (1937–1940) |
| High school | Union-Endicott High School |
Battista was born on October 1, 1916, in Endicott, New York. He attended high school at Union-Endicott School in the mid 1930s. Controversy arose in 1936, when other schools refused to play Union-Endicott due to questions of Battista's eligibility.[3] He played college football at Florida, joining the school in 1937.[4] Following his senior year of 1940, he was named to the Associated Press All-Southeastern roster.[5] He was subsequently selected in the 1941 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, as a 7th round pick,[6] but opted not to pursue a professional career. He spent 1941 and early 1942 as a college assistant coach. In June 1942, he was drafted to serve in World War II as part of the United States Army.[7] He achieved the rank of lieutenant while in the Army. He also was line coach for a military service football team.[8] In 1965, Battista, now a captain, was awarded the highest medal of honor in the country of Panama for his humanitarian services.[9] He died on November 2, 1984, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 72.[10]
References
edit- ^ Florida, U.S., Death Index, 1877-1998
- ^ "1941 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ "Will Not Play With Battista, Powell in Fray". Press and Sun-Bulletin. October 16, 1936 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Jule Battista Stats". Pro Football Archives.
- ^ "Untitled". The Monroe News-Star. November 29, 1940 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Philadelphia Eagles All-Time Draft History". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "Mush Battista, Ex-Gator Guard, Joins The Army". The Tampa Times. June 19, 1942 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Fessenden, Battista to New Post". The Amarillo Globe-Times. June 14, 1945 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Panama Honors Ex-Endicott Man". Press and Sun-Bulletin. March 31, 1961 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Julius (Mush) Battista Formerly of Endicott (obituary)". Press and Sun-Bulletin. November 26, 1984 – via Newspapers.com.
