Julius Battista
American football player (1916–1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Endicott, New York, U.S.
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Guard |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 1, 1916 Endicott, New York, U.S. |
| Died | August 13, 1986 (aged 72) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Listed height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Union-Endicott High School |
| College | Florida (1937–1940) |
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]
