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Elvin Bethea, an outstanding
prospect from
North Carolina
A&T, was the Houston Oilers third-round pick in
the 1968 AFL/NFL Draft. Most observers agree that for a third-rounder, he
was a steal. In hindsight, and after 16 seasons of outstanding play with the
Oilers, it’s safe to say he was more than a “steal,” he was clearly one of
the best players selected, and that in a draft that produced three future
Hall of Fame players, Larry Csonka, Art Shell, and Ron Yary.
An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Bethea played in 210 games during his long
career in Houston. He was named first- or second-team All-AFL/AFC six times
and second-team All-Pro four times. Considered a leader both on and off the
field, Bethea was durable and dependable. He started at defensive end in the
1968 season opener and didn’t miss a game until breaking his arm in a game
against the Oakland Raiders on November 13, 1977.
When he retired – which was 
put off by a year per
the Oilers’ request – he
held three team records relating to career service: most seasons (16), most
career regular season games played (210), and most consecutive regular
season games played (135). He also saw action in eight Oilers playoff games.
Although sacks were not an official National Football League statistic until
1982, Elvin’s unofficial 105-career quarterback sack total still ranks as
the best in Oilers/Tennessee Titans history as are the 16 sacks he recorded
in 1973. Six times he led his team in that department. His best single game
performance as a pass rusher came in a game against the San Diego Chargers
in 1976 in which he recorded 4 sacks and one fumble recovery.
More than just a pass rusher, Bethea was also effective against the run.
Even though 1974 was the first year such statistics were compiled by the
Oilers, his 691-career tackles, are still among the best in franchise
history, even excluding the first six years of his career.
College: North Carolina AT&T
2003 HOF Induction Position: DE
Houston Oilers [1968-1983]
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