Tom Bettis was an American football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was born on October 28, 1936, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college football.
Bettis was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1958 NFL Draft. He played for the Lions for six seasons from 1958 to 1963, where he was a part of the team that won the NFL Championship in 1958. Bettis was known for his speed and agility, which made him a formidable opponent for opposing teams.
In 1964, Bettis was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played for seven seasons until his retirement in 1971. He was a key player in the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense, which was one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. Bettis was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1965 and 1966 and was named to the All-Pro team in 1965.
Bettis was known for his toughness and durability, playing in 168 consecutive games during his career. He was also a team leader and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. Bettis was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 1995.
After his retirement from football, Bettis worked as a sales representative for a sporting goods company. He also served as a color commentator for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team on radio broadcasts.
In 2015, Bettis was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which he attributed to his years of playing football. He passed away on May 13, 2018, at the age of 81.
Overall, Tom Bettis had a successful career in the NFL, playing for two teams and earning numerous accolades. He was a respected player and leader on and off the field, and his contributions to the game of football will not be forgotten.
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