Bobby Bethune

Bethune played college football at Mississippi State University from 1957 to 1960.^[1] He saw most action in his final two years,^[2] playing as a halfback on offense and defensive back on defense.^[3] With six interceptions in his senior year, Bethune tied for the most in the Southeastern Conference.^[4]

Bethune was selected in the 9th round of the 1961 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears, signing for them shortly afterwards.^[5] The Chicago Tribune described him as one of a number of "rangy, fast, agile" defensive backs drafted by the Bears that year.^[6] He played in the preseason for the Bears, getting ejected from one game for his role in a fist fight,^[7] but was cut before the regular season began.^[8] In 1962, he again featured for the Bears in exhibition play but missed the regular season squad.^[9] However, Bethune signed with the AFL's Chargers to replace an injured Charlie McNeil in the defensive backfield,^[10] and played the only games of his career in a major league, making ten appearances and intercepting three passes.^[11]

Subsequently, Bethune appeared for three teams in the Southern Professional Football League^[12][13] and one in the North American Football League.^[14]