Peyton Manning, John Elway, John Fox, and Joe Ellis statements on Champ Bailey retiring

Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis

"Owner Pat Bowlen will always consider Champ Bailey one of his favorite players for the first-class manner in which he represented the Denver Broncos during the last decade. He was a great leader for his team and a tremendous ambassador for his community. On behalf of the Broncos, I congratulate Champ on his extraordinary NFL career and thank him for everything he has done for this organization."

Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager and Keyholder to Broncos Country's Hearts John Elway

"Champ was the pillar in this organization for a long, long time. He brought great stability to the Broncos not only as a player but as a person through his ability and leadership. When I came here in 2011, he was the guy that we were going to build around and we were fortunate to have him for three more years to get this team back on track. He was a big part of that turnaround.

"The thing about Champ was he had great ability as a shutdown corner while also not being afraid to stick his nose in there and be a part of the run game. He was a complete corner with tremendous toughness and ability to cover. I believe Broncos fans respected him not only because of the example he set on the field but also because of his hard work in the community.

"I congratulate Champ on his Hall of Fame career. Not many had better careers than Champ Bailey, and I bet when he looks back on his he will be able to say he put everything he had into it."

Broncos Head Coach John Fox

"Champ was the consummate pro and a real student of the game. He studied, took care of himself physically and helped younger players. He worked hard on and off the field, and that's why he was able to play so long at a taxing position like cornerback.

"I've been blessed to coach many great players, including Rod Woodson, who is in the Hall of Fame, and I don't think there is any question that Champ also will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He's as a good as there has ever been not only as a cornerback but on defense, period. He earned respect from his teammates and held guys accountable. He was a big part of turning this program around, and I will always cherish my time coaching Champ."

Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning

"Champ Bailey is one of the best cornerbacks ever to play in the NFL, in my opinion. I competed against him a number of times and had the great privilege of playing with him for two seasons in Denver. He was a great teammate in the two years we were here together, and it was very easy to see what made him such a special player.

"His knowledge of the game and his understanding of offenses-with different pass pattern intricacies and combinations-was very impressive. He had unbelievable cover skills and unbelievable ball skills. He caught the ball like a wide receiver did. Going all the way back to my days playing against him in college, he was truly a great competitor with talent and work ethic. That's what made Champ such an incredible player."