Champ Bailey retiring marks end to storied Broncos and NFL career

Denver Broncos great Champ Bailey is retiring, according to his agent, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Despite interest from teams, Champ Bailey has decided to retire from NFL to pursue other career opportunities, agent Jack Reale said Tues.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2014

According to Schefter, Bailey drew interest from two "playoff contenders," but is more interested in the next steps of his career.

The Broncos released Bailey in March. He signed with the Saints in the offseason and played with New Orleans during the 2014 preseason, but was released before the regular season began. He did not since sign with another team.

Bailey enjoyed 12 Pro Bowl selection in his star-studded career and will retire as the greatest defensive back to ever don the orange and blue. He'll retire a Bronco (the last game that mattered was played in a Broncos uniform), and he'll be eligible for both the Broncos Ring of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in five years.

It's a sad day to see Bailey officially leave the NFL and give up any NFL pursuits that would see him make a move to safety. Indeed, Father Time catches up to us all, even the man who was the undisputed Best Cornerback in the NFL^TM for the better part of the 2000-2010 decade.

A Mile High Salute to Champ Bailey. We'll follow you wherever the next steps in your career take you. Update: And yes, per a team source, Bailey will retire a Bronco assuming he wants to.

#Broncos' plans on honoring Champ Bailey still in the works. He may retire a Bronco with or without one-day contract; up to him & team.

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 28, 2014