Champ Bailey gives the OK for Adam Jones to wear number 24

Peyton Manning set the precedent when it comes to borrowing retired jersey’s when he donned Frank Tripucka’s #18 for the first time in decades. Champ Bailey’s number 24 is not officially retired, but it should be.

So when Adam Jones was signed last week, it was reported that he wouldn’t be getting a crack at Bailey’s old number 24. And for good reason. Champ Bailey is likely entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year in his first year of eligibility after spending most of his career in Denver as his generations greatest lockdown cornerback.

However, Mike Klis of 9News was able to check in with Bailey and see if he would allow Jones to wear his number this season.

“I told ‘Flip’ I was all for it just because I respect Pacman’s story,’’ Bailey said in a phone interview Tuesday with 9NEWS. “Being that (Jones) is a Georgia guy, I’ve always been a fan of his. Being 35 years old with all the (stuff) he’s been through – it’s respectable the career he’s had.’’

If you think Bailey would just be okay with just anyone wearing his old number, think again. He revealed to Klis that he had worried some unproven rookie would come in and scoop it up.

“Yeah, and they’ve had the opportunity to give it out,’’ Bailey said. “It’s a popular number. A lot of people cherish that number. I was worried that some rookie who was unproven would come in and get it. But it’s not my call. The franchise can do whatever they want. The fact they respect me enough to ask means a lot. I told them I don’t mind Pacman wearing it. I respect the hell out of him.’’

As a fan, I’d rather the Denver Broncos just make it official and retire Champ Bailey’s number. But then again, I feel that way about the numbers worn by Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, and a dozen other legendary Broncos.