Elvin Bethea Biography

Elvin Lamont Bethea, born on March 1, 1946, played his entire 16-year professional football career as a defensive end with the Houston Oilers in the AFL and NFL. He was the first player from North Carolina A&T to earn a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, receiving the honor in 2003. Bethea won both the shot put and discus events at the 1964 Golden West Invitational track meet. He competed as a shot putter for the North Carolina A&T Aggies track and field team during his college years. Bethea played in 210 games with the Oilers, including 135 consecutive appearances. His 16-sack season in 1973 remains the best single-season total in Oilers and Tennessee Titans history, achieved despite a 1–13 team record. He earned Second-team All-Pro honors in 1969, 1973, 1978, and 1979, in addition to eight Pro Bowl selections.