It’s been a good summer for Howard Bison legend and long-time NFL safety Antoine Bethea.
Last week, Bethea was inducted into the star-studded Black College Football Hall of Fame class of 2024, and now he has turned his attention to his hometown of Newport News, Virginia.
“Everything in me, I give to Newport News. For me, it’s important to impact people’s lives. Young boys and young girls that look like me, let them know I’m coming up in similar situations,” Bethea told WKTR-3’s Kelsey Jones in announcing the SafeHaven Empowerment Center, a new community center and initiative aimed at supporting the youth in his hometown. “When I say I want this to be a one-stop shop for the community, this is what it’s going to be.”
Housed in a former Boys and Girls Clubs facility, SafeHaven Empowerment will feature technology and computer labs, a music student, an eSports room, a culinary kitchen and a clothes closet. There will also be medical access for young people, as plans to partner with a local hospital for free immunizations and physicals are in the works.
“We talk about sometimes some families not being able to get on the internet or have internet in their households. This will be a place where we can do that. I’m partnering with Best League Strategies, they’ll come in and offer cybersecurity, so there will be a lot of different things,” said Bethea. “We have basketball courts here and a swimming pool.”
After attending Denbigh High in Newport News, Bethea was an all-MEAC safety performer for Howard and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2006, winning a Super Bowl in his rookie season. He played 14 seasons in the NFL for the Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants.
He currently provides color commentary for HBCUGo football broadcasts.
