Justin Bethel

Justin Bethel was born on June 17, 1990, in Sumter, South Carolina, and later moved to Columbia at age six. He began playing football at age 11 and attended Blythewood High School, contributing to a State Championship win in 2006. With limited interest from college football programs initially, Bethel planned to pursue culinary arts until his high school coach, Jeff Scott, joined Presbyterian Blue Hose football. Bethel then enrolled at Presbyterian, majoring in Business Administration.

During his college career at Presbyterian, Bethel demonstrated his athletic ability. In his freshman season in 2008, he recorded 54 tackles and two interceptions. His sophomore year in 2009 was particularly notable, as he led the team with 79 tackles and blocked three kicks, earning a spot on the Big South Conference all-conference second-team defensive squad. These performances, including a video of a 60-inch vertical jump that gained widespread attention, drew the interest of professional scouts. He earned an invitation to the NFL Combine, where his 39.5-inch vertical leap was the highest among defensive players, positioning him as a strong draft prospect.

Bethel was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, becoming the first Presbyterian player drafted since 1969. He quickly established himself as a prominent special teams player, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Over his 12-year NFL career, he played for several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins, consistently contributing on special teams and as a cornerback. He announced his retirement from professional football on January 8, 2025.