Hall of Fame's Elvin Bethea visits Kats
8/9/2013 7:07:00 PM | Football
Elvin Bethea, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who played 16 seasons as a defensive end for the Houston Oilers, was a special guest at Sam Houston's preseason camp Friday.
The eight-time Pro Bowl selection spoke with the team following Friday's morning practice session.
“It was a tremendous thrill for the entire team and coaching staff to have one of the game's greats on the field with us,” Bearkat head coach Willie Fritz said.
Bethea told the Bearkats to always go full speed and never give up. The former North Carolina A&T star debuted for the Oilers in 1968.
“When I was a rookie, lots of people told me I was too small to play in the NFL,” Bethea said. “I ended up playing 16 years.”
The Trenton, New Jersey, product also spoke to the team about having a strong work ethic and the importance of going to class and taking care of business off the field as well as on.
“It really was inspirational hearing from an NFL great,” Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell said. “That Hall of Fame ring he wears was impressive too.”
Sam Houston continues work this weekend preparing for the Bearkats' season opener Saturday August 31 in Huntsville against Houston Baptist.
Season tickets for SHSU's seven home games at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium plus the 88th “Battle of the Piney Woods” vs. SFA at Reliant Stadium Nov. 2 are on sale now online at www.gobearkats.com .
Tickets also may be purchased by visiting or calling the SHSU athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House in the south end zone of Bowers Stadium.
Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729.
