Justin Bethel gives back to alma mater Blythewood

Justin Bethel has never shied away from giving back.

Bethel, a defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals, showed that Friday when he presented his alma mater Blythewood High School with a check for $100,000 towards the school’s education foundation.

“I feel like the position I’m in I make enough to take care of me and the people who helped me get to where I am at. And I felt it would it would be proper to give back to the place where it started everything,” Bethel said. “Blythewood had a big part of where I am at today.”

Bethel said the money will go toward the school’s culinary arts program and athletic program and was a part of both during his time in high school. He also plans on doing a 7-on-7 football camp for Midlands high schools in June.

Bethel made the presentation in front of a school-wide assembly but said he would have been fine doing it without all the fanfare. But the 10-year-old school wanted to honor Bethel and presented him the inaugural Order of The Bengal, which goes toward honoring some of the school’s distinguished alumni.

“Blythewood will always be a part of my life,” Bethel said. “And with my family being from South Carolina and live close by, I will always try to give some time, come by talk to people. Whatever I can do to give back, whether it is time or money.”

Bethel was a part of the Bengals’ state football championship team in 2006 and went on to play at Presbyterian College. The Cardinals selected Bethel in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft and he has been a Pro Bowl selection on special teams the past three seasons.

In December, Bethel signed a three-year contract extension, which he called “life changing.” He recorded 46 tackles and picked off two passes and had a touchdown this year in helping the Cardinals to a division title and trip to the NFC championship game before losing to the Carolina Panthers.

“The season didn’t end the way we wanted to. We had Super Bowl on our mind,” Bethel said. “But it showed us we are getting better every year and getting to the place where we needed to be. I’m, excited about this season and the moves we are making as a team. I’m excited to get started where we go.”

Bethel, who was on crutches Friday, said he won’t be ready for OTAs later this month but will be ready for training camp.

This story was originally published April 9, 2016 at 12:09 AM with the headline "Justin Bethel gives back to alma mater Blythewood."