Elvin Bethea

Who is Elvin Bethea?

Elvin Lamont Bethea is a former American football defensive end who played his entire career with the Houston Oilers. He played for North Carolina A&T State University and was the first person from that school to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bethea played high school football and track at Trenton Central High School. He set the New Jersey state record in the shot put in 1964 - 66 feet 4.5 inches - which stood until 1997. He won the shot put and discus competitions at the Golden West Invitational track meet in 1964.

During his career in Houston, Bethea played in 210 games, including a stretch of 135 consecutive. He played at defensive end and guard in the 1968 season and didn’t miss a game until breaking his arm in a game against the Oakland Raiders in 1977. He led the team in sacks six times, finishing his career with 105 unofficial sacks.

His career high was in 1973 with 16 sacks, which still ranks as the best in Oilers/Tennessee Titans history. In 1976 Bethea recorded 14½ sacks, yet was not voted to the Pro Bowl. In a game against the San Diego Chargers in 1976, he recorded four sacks and had one fumble recovery.