"Champ"

by Jezru on Dec 18, 2008 12:23 PM MST

Okay, I've made no secret at my displeasure over Champ Bailey's non-play these past few weeks. As I recall this groin thing had him projected to be out just four weeks and here we are stretching into what could possibly be his eighth... Half a season.

Upon hearing the news of Sammy Baugh's death today, I went hunting though Wikipedia to get to know more about him. That inevitably led me to the Redskins page where I found our boy Champ listed as "notable alumni" (hrmph!). Lo and behold, there on the Wikipage... What do I find? Champ's real first name! Roland!

Roland "Champ" Bailey (born June 22, 1978 in Folkston, Georgia) is an American football player, starting at cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. His mother nicknamed him "Champ" at an early age.[1] He is the older brother of Broncos linebacker and teammate Boss Bailey.

So that got me thinking... Perhaps Boss isn't his real name either... It turns out, the oft injured linebacker's name is Rodney!

Rodney "Boss" Bailey (born October 14, 1979 in Folkston, Georgia) is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia.

While some of you may already know this, I was shocked! All this time I thought that Champ and Boss were names awarded them by eccentric parents with the loftiest of goals for their children.... Not so! Roland and Rodney! It just doesn't sound right, but them's the facts!

To that end, my friends... I think in order to encourage "Champ" back onto the field, I think we need to draw the distinction that when he is suited up and playing ball we should call him Champ. When he's nursing an injury on the sideline well into his eighth week, that is a man who can go by no other name than Roland.

Hurry and heal up Roland... We need our Champ back.

P. S. Until Rodney shows a little more toughness and can avoid getting injured (in every game but one that he played in - oh right there was one game he got hurt twice in) He will always be Rodney. Boss of the trainers table maybe... But Rodney of the Broncos... (for now).

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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I am more concerned about the training regimen the Broncos employ

than I am about Champ’s birth name.

I am of the opinion that the Denver training program is failing in a big way given the number of pulled hammys and groins (with the exception of the circus catch and hamstring tear by Hillis, that would have hurt superman).

Please get some serious trainers in there doing the stretching drills, obviously the team is not doing a good enough job leading each other with their stretch/dance routines. Maybe it is time to turn to a yoga program again (I know I’ve said this too many times, but they’ve gotta do something).

"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway

by jibbons on Dec 18, 2008 12:52 PM MST reply actions

jibbons

Couldn’t agree more

Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!

by Doc Bear on Dec 18, 2008 7:30 PM MST up reply actions

I am too I called for a look into it when we lost our 300th running back!

" He goes against Champ everyday." -Jay Cutler

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Dec 18, 2008 8:43 PM MST up reply actions

To be fair...

I believe the name Champ and Boss are in fact “names awarded them by eccentric parents with the loftiest of goals for their children”. Just not the first names they awarded them.

by PosterNutbag on Dec 18, 2008 1:17 PM MST reply actions

Champ if you read this...

I think most of us would like a long term healthy Champ. Do what is right for you and the long term interest of the Broncos. We are all entitled of our opinions. Jezru – No disrespect to you intended, I really enjoy 99% of your comments.. However, I for one will not be disrespecting one of the greatest player to play the game in my generation.

Champ is a player and would play if he could.

Still the Champ to Me.

My image is the Circa 1960-’61 Broncos home uniform sock. Some what folk lore to me ... but referred to as the clown sock by my Dad.

by YellowStoneBronco on Dec 18, 2008 2:13 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

Well said, YSB

Totally agree.

When the Gods are angry with someone, they give him what he asks for.

Greek Proverb

by bradley on Dec 18, 2008 2:47 PM MST up reply actions

Okay...

Fine, but can I still pick on Boss er… Rodney?

by Jezru on Dec 18, 2008 4:06 PM MST up reply actions

No

Pick on Phyllis.

When the Gods are angry with someone, they give him what he asks for.

Greek Proverb

by bradley on Dec 18, 2008 5:25 PM MST up reply actions

Good Find!

I didn’t know that either. I was with you, I thought it was just cruel parenting. I like Roland though – anyone ever read the Gunslinger series by Stephen King? Roland is a pretty cool name to have.

There is no 'Ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
Chuck Norris destoryed the periodic table because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

by nickt84 on Dec 18, 2008 5:12 PM MST reply actions

My only question for Champ is "Being a world class athelete, How do you hurt yourself by simply running? No contact is needed to hurt you?"

by Steve O' on Dec 18, 2008 9:58 PM MST reply actions

It's a groin pull...

You ever had a groin pull?

It’s gotta be one of the most painful injuries.
and he didn’t hurt it by just running… He hurt it by covering moss. It didn’t get hurt the second you see him start jump limping… he hurt it before that, possibly a quick turn.

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Dec 18, 2008 10:31 PM MST up reply actions

Goin pull?

Some of that play calling last week looked alot like that…

by Jezru on Dec 19, 2008 11:20 AM MST up reply actions

Right....

But it is a hard part of the body to damage if you ar having a correct stretching and maintenence regime. It is uncanny, and to be honest, worrying that we have so many guys down with groin pulls. There is something going on there for sure and the pre warm up and pre training program needs to be re evaluated.

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Dec 19, 2008 4:34 PM MST up reply actions

I dont want him to play this week

I would rather he sit out, especially if it is gonna be as cold as I keep hearing. Thats not good for coming back from that type of injury. I do get a kick out of people complaining that if he is such an athlete how can this happen. It does, especially when your position is a reaction to who you are matched up against. Moss likes to zig and zag and all sorts of thing. It happens.

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Dec 19, 2008 12:20 PM MST reply actions

I agree it happens, especially in skilll position guys

And I would never question Champ’s/Roland’s toughness or desire, I seem to remember him playing with a dislocated shoulder for most of a season. And having a DB that can’t run or cut is a huge liability on the field, so if he isn’t close to 100% on the legs I don’t want him out there. I think our secondary has actually played fairly decent without him, so I think we can match up with Buffalo’s guys.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Dec 19, 2008 3:54 PM MST up reply actions