In college, he played offensive guard and tackle as well as defensive end and linebacker. In his early Oilers days he played both ways also before finally settling on defensive end. Although he had been projected as an offensive lineman, a series of injuries on the defensive line caused Oilers Head Coach Wally Lemm to try Bethea at defensive end and by mid-season, he was starting.
Bethea played in 210 games during his long career in Houston, including a stretch of 135 consecutive. 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. He led the team in sacks six times, finishing his career with 105 unofficial sacks. He reached the AFC Championship game in 1978 and 1979, but was kept out of the Super Bowl each time by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Career Highlights
Named a Pittsburgh Courier All-American three years in a row while at North Carolina A&T
All-Pro Second Team - 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979
All-AFL Second Team - 1969
Selected to 8 Pro Bowls - 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 3, 2003
