Bethea gives helmet and jersey to Hall

Elvin Bethea (left) presents his helmet and jersey to HOF President John Bankert

Bethea, who starred for 16 seasons for the Houston Oilers, donated his helmet and jersey that he wore during the 1978 NFL season to the Hall. The helmet clearly shows the wear and tear of an NFL season as the dominating defensive end donned the headwear for the entire year. The jersey, a special mesh version, was created solely for a playoff game in Miami.

The Oilers finished second behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Central Division that season at 10-6. Their post-season began with a visit to south Florida to battle the Dolphins in the 1978 AFC Wildcard Game at the Orange Bowl on Christmas Eve.

Because the Oilers played inside at the Astrodome, the team did not have any special uniform to combat the heat. So, the mesh jersey was made and worn by the Oilers for that game.

Houston, with the help of Bethea's two tackles, two assists, and one sack, downed Miami 17-9 to advance to the Division Playoff Game against New England the following week. The Oilers beat the Patriots 31-14 before falling to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

Bethea's jersey and helmet will be placed on exhibit in the Enshrinee Mementos Room.

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