Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time
By Dante Pryor
29. Elvin Bethea, defensive end, North Carolina A&T
Trenton, New Jersey native Elvin Bethea began setting records while still in high school. As a track and field standout at Trenton Central High School, Bethea set the New Jersey State record in the shot put in 1964, a record that would stand some 30 plus years.
As a member of the Houston Oilers, Bethea also set records. After being drafted in the third round in 1968, Bethea would play the most seasons in an Oilers’ jersey (16), the most consecutive regular-season games (135), and the most regular-season games in Oilers/Titans history.
Bethea and Jackson State alum Robert Brazile formed one of the most formidable pass-rush tandems in the 1970s. Bethea ended his career with 105 sacks, leading the team in sacks six times. In addition, Bethea had double-digit sack seasons five times, including 16 in 1973 during a 1-13 season.
Not bad for someone who began their career playing offense. When Bethea started his career at North Carolina A&T, he played both offensive guard and tackle along with playing defensive end and linebacker. Bethea was a standout at all positions and was a three-time Pittsburgh Courier Black College Football All-American.
Even after being drafted by the Oilers, Bethea began his career as an offensive lineman. But then, Bethea made the switch, and the rest is history.