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Elvin Lamont Bethea (born March 1, 1946) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 16-year 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 2003.
Bethea's career high was in 1973 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. Member – Pro Football Hall of Fame In 1976, he recorded sacks, but was not voted to the Pro Bowl. In a game against the San Diego Chargers that year, Bethea recorded four sacks (his career high) and a fumble recovery.
Bethea also had sacks in 1969. Other notable seasons in terms of sacks were: 1970 and 1971 with sacks in each, 1975 with 10 and 1978 with eight. He played in the AFC Championship Game in 1978 and 1979.
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Bethea was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He was officially inducted during the Enshrinement Ceremony on August 3, 2003, where his college coach and presenter, Hornsby Howell, unveiled the bust of Bethea, which was sculpted by Scott Myers.
In 2005, Bethea was inducted to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
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