Justin Bethel's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Coming from Presbyterian College, a small school in South Carolina, Bethel was not a household name, but his athleticism and special teams prowess quickly caught the attention of the Cardinals' coaching staff.
Bethel's rookie season set the tone for his career, as he made an immediate impact on special teams. His speed and ability to block kicks became his trademark, and he quickly established himself as one of the league's top special teams players. In 2013, his efforts were recognized when he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer, an honor he would earn three consecutive times from 2013 to 2015.
While primarily known for his special teams excellence, Bethel also contributed as a cornerback. Over the years with the Cardinals, he saw increased playing time in the defensive backfield, showcasing his versatility. In 2015, he recorded his first career interception, which he returned for a touchdown, highlighting his ability to make plays on defense as well.
Bethel's tenure with the Cardinals lasted until 2017, during which he became a fan favorite for his relentless work ethic and knack for making game-changing plays on special teams. In 2018, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, continuing to excel in his special teams role. His time with the Falcons was brief, and he later joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2019.
With the Ravens, Bethel continued to be a special teams stalwart, contributing to one of the league's most effective units. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the Ravens' special teams, and he played a crucial role in their success during his time there.
In 2019, Bethel signed with the New England Patriots, further solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL's premier special teams players. His ability to consistently perform at a high level on special teams made him a valuable asset to the Patriots, who have long valued special teams play as a critical component of their success.
Throughout his career, Bethel's contributions on special teams were widely recognized by coaches, teammates, and opponents alike. His ability to block kicks, cover punts, and make tackles in the open field set him apart as one of the best in the business. Despite not being a regular starter on defense, his impact on the game was undeniable, and he was often praised for his professionalism and work ethic.
Justin Bethel's career in the NFL is a testament to the importance of special teams in professional football.
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