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Arizona safety Antoine Bethea is Black College Football Hall of Fame’s pro player of the year
He’ll pick up the award at the Hall’s induction of seven greats this weekend
10:32 AMThe Black College Football Hall of Fame has chosen Arizona Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea as the inaugural recipient of the Pro Player of the Year Award. It will be awarded annually to the most outstanding professional football player from a historically black college or university (HBCU).
Bethea attended Howard University and has played in the NFL for 12 seasons after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.
He spent his first eight years in Indianapolis, then three in San Francisco, before signing a three-year contract with Arizona in 2017. In his first year with the Cardinals, Bethea had a career-high five interceptions to go along with 57 tackles.
He’ll receive the award Saturday at the Black College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Atlanta at the College Football Hall of Fame. Seven former HBCU greats will be inducted into the Hall this weekend, including former players Raymond Chester, Harold Carmichael, Leon Lewis, Greg Lloyd, Everson Walls, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson and coach Bill Hayes.
“This award was established to help showcase the immense talent of our current Black College Football players at the highest level,” said James “Shack” Harris, Hall co-founder and 2012 inductee.
“On behalf of the Black College Football Hall of Fame trustees and selection committee, we congratulate Antoine on this historic accomplishment,” said Doug Williams, Hall co-founder and 2011 inductee. “Antoine is a great role model and inspiration for our youth across the country.”