American football player (born )
American football player
Elvin Lamont Bethea (born March 1, ) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire career as a defensive end with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina A&T Aggies and was the first player from the school to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having been inducted in
Bethea was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and played high school football and track at Trenton Central High School.[1] He set the New Jersey state record in the shot put in – 66 feet inches - which stood until [2] He won the shot put and discus competitions at the Golden West Invitational track meet in [3]
During his career in Houston, Bethea played in games, including a stretch of consecutive. He played at defensive end and guard in the season and didn't miss a game until breaking his arm in a game against the Oakland Raiders in He led the team in sacks six times, finishing his career with unofficial sacks.[4]
His career high was in with 16 sacks, which still ranks as the best in Oilers/Tennessee Titans history, a feat made more remarkable by the Oilers' 1–13 record.[5] In Bethea recorded 14+1&#;2 sacks, yet was not voted to the Pro Bowl. In a game against the San Diego Chargers in , he recorded four sacks (his career high) and had one fumble recovery.
He also had 14+1&#;2 sacks in Other notable seasons in terms of sacks were: and with 10+1&#;2 sacks in each, with 10 and with 8. He played in the AFC Championship game in and
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
Bethea was Second-team All-Pro in , , and to go with his 8 Pro Bowl selections.
Bethea was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in He was officially inducted during the Enshrinement Ceremony on August 3, ,[6] where his college coach and presenter, Hornsby Howell, unveiled the bust of Bethea,[7] which was sculpted by Scott Myers.
In , Bethea was inducted to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame [8]
Bethea is the author of Smash-Mouth: My Football Journey from Trenton to Canton.[9]