Legendary Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ fullback Willie Bethea has passed away at the age of 85.
A graduate of Rider University, Bethea arrived in Canada in 1963 and went on to play seven seasons with the Ticats, winning Grey Cups in 1963, 1965 and 1967. He carried 781 times for 3,919 yards and 21 touchdowns while catching 145 passes for 1,800 yards and nine majors. He also returned 57 kicks for 1,398 yards.
The native of Trenton, N.J. was named an East Division all-star just once in 1967 but compiled the third-most rushing yards and sixth-most rushing touchdowns in Ticats’ franchise history. He was enshrined in the team’s Wall of Honour in 2012.
