Mile High Report - Champ Bailey retires: Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2014-11-29T08:00:02-07:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/68509862014-11-29T08:00:02-07:002014-11-29T08:00:02-07:00Roby wanted Champ's No. 24; Elway said no
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<figcaption>Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos</figcaption>
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<p>"What Champ did here, nobody will ever match," said Roby. "His number will be retired here."</p> <p>Will the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> retire <span>Champ Bailey's</span> No. 24 jersey?</p>
<p>Unofficially, they already have.</p>
<p>According to Broncos rookie cornerback <span>Bradley Roby</span>, <a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/11/27/bradley-roby-talks-movies-fast-players-likes-bruce-lee/31118/" target="_blank">in his weekly Q&A column with readers at <i>The Denver Post</i></a>, Roby settled on jersey No. 29 because the number he wanted, 24, was unofficially reserved for Bailey, even though Bailey had just been cut by the Broncos and had signed with the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a>.</p>
<p>"The number 24 was available," wrote Roby, when asked about how he settled on No. 29. "I remember asking (general manager John) Elway when I first got here if I could have 24. He was like, 'I will have to think about that.'"</p>
<div class="pullquote">"Now that I have been here, met Champ, gone to his retirement ceremony and seen first-hand how much he meant to this organization, I would never wear it."</div>
<p>In other words: No, rookie.</p>
<p>"I realized right then I needed to prove myself first," Roby continued. "And now that I have been here, met Champ, gone to his retirement ceremony and seen first-hand how much he meant to this organization, I would never wear it. I knew he was great. I just wanted a number other than 29. What Champ did here, nobody will ever match. His number will be retired here."</p>
<p>Bradley's comments are interesting because the Broncos have only retired three jersey numbers in team history, and one of those didn't even stick: Floyd Little's No. 44, John Elway's No. 7, and Frank Tripucka's No. 18 (which <span>Peyton Manning</span> received permission to take out of retirement in 2012). Retiring Bailey's No. 24 would be an exceptionally rare honor for this franchise.</p>
<p>But, reading Roby's story, Elway and the Broncos have all but already done it. It wouldn't surprise me if they go ahead and make it official, making Bailey's jersey the fourth/third retired number in franchise history. Bailey meant that much to the Broncos.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile, changing jersey numbers is still an option for Roby. He explained that he didn't want the No. 29 at first, and that he'll only keep it if he "can make it stick."</p>
<p>But Bailey's 24 won't be considered. That jersey is already retired in Roby's mind.</p>
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<p>Salute to the great Champ Bailey ! Definitely a role model of mine !</p>
— Bradley Roby (@BradRoby_1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradRoby_1/status/527229264543113216">October 28, 2014</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/11/29/7305593/champ-bailey-broncos-jersey-bradley-roby-john-elwaykmonty2014-11-19T05:29:58-07:002014-11-19T05:29:58-07:00Terell Davis among HOF semifinalists
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<p>Five former Denver Broncos have made the class of 26 semifinalist modern-era candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.</p> <p><a href="http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2014/11/18/semifinalists-for-class-of-2015/" target="_blank">The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its semifinalists for the Class of 2015</a>, with five former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> making the cut. With 26 total semifinalists announced, that means 19% of the semifinalist class are men who once donned the orange and blue.</p>
<p>S Steve Atwater, RB Terrell Davis, CB <span>Ty Law</span>, S <span>John Lynch</span>, and LB Karl Mecklenburg are the former Broncos being considered. Aside from Law, who is in his first year of eligibility, all have been semifinalists before.</p>
<p>The POF candidate <a target="_blank" href="http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2014/11/18/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2015-semifinalists-career-capsules/">career capsules page</a> has this to say about each Broncos candidate.</p>
<p><b>Steve Atwater</b>'s selection to seven straight Pro Bowls from 1990-96 is tied for the franchise record with Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. Atwater played with the Broncos from 1989-1998, winning two Super Bowls with the club.</p>
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<p><b>Terrell Davis</b> significantly increased yardage total each season until he suffered knee injury. In 1998, he became the fourth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Davis played his entire career in Denver, 1995-2001.</p>
<p><b>Ty Law</b> led the NFL in interception twice during his career (1998, 2005). His last season in the NFL was with the Broncos in 2009 after 14 years between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>.</p>
<p><b>John Lynch</b> had 24 interceptions for 204 yards and 13 sacks in his career while registering 90 or more tackles nine times in his career. He played in Denver from 2004-2007.</p>
<p><b>Karl Mecklenburg</b> tallied 79.0 sacks, five interceptions for 128 yards, one safety and two fumble recoveries for a TD. He is the only player in Broncos franchise history to have four sacks in a game twice. He was a career Bronco, playing from 1983-1994.</p>
<p>We all believe the Hall of Fame is biased when it comes to Broncos. Hopefully this year some of that bias is wiped away with the advancement of core orange and blue legends - particularly Davis, Atwater, and Mecklenburg. Law and even Lynch will almost certainly be enshrined as members of their previous teams.</p>
<p>15 of the 26 will be named finalists on January 8th, and inductees will be announced on January 31st. Hopefully at least two or three of those key more former Broncos are enshrined before <span>Champ Bailey</span> becomes eligible five years from now.</p>
<h3>Horse Tracks</h3>
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<p><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/11/18/7244861/champ-bailey-retires-a-bronco">Champ Bailey retires a Bronco - Mile High Report</a><br>Broncos Country owes you more than we can ever repay. Thanks for staying in Denver, for studying the game, for covering your ass off, and mostly for loving football enough to play your best for so many years.</p>
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<p>Champ Bailey says <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisHarrisJr">@ChrisHarrisJr</a> "wants to be great -- and is showing it." <a href="http://t.co/ulDf3mCeDk">http://t.co/ulDf3mCeDk</a> <a href="http://t.co/e4nRqxDlgw">pic.twitter.com/e4nRqxDlgw</a></p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/535004730250903555">November 19, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11899115/champ-bailey-honored-denver-broncos-formal-send-off?ex_cid=espnapi_public">Champ Bailey honored by Denver Broncos in formal send-off - ESPN</a><br>The Denver Broncos gave Champ Bailey a formal send-off into football retirement Tuesday.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Champ-Bailey-bids-farewell-to-the-greatest-place-on-Earth/91209662-ab1c-4a61-81cb-3a2ccc8de14a" target="_blank">Champ Bailey bids farewell to 'the greatest place on Earth' | DenverBroncos.com</a><br>Champ Bailey signed his one-day contract to retire as a Bronco, but his legacy of excellence will linger for decades to come.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla/ci_26964754/kiszla-even-greats-end-comes-fast" target="_blank">Kiszla: Even for Champ Bailey, the end comes fast - The Denver Post</a><br>"Not a lot of people can say they got one-up on Peyton, but ... " reported Bailey, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "He kicked our (team's) butt in college three years straight. So I don't have great memories. But one thing I do have is one interception (against Manning) ... So I've got one on him. I don't think there's a way he can get it back, right?"</p>
<p>Manning nodded in agreement.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Bailey-leaves-legacy-as-player-teammate/9c1f12d2-7a13-4b9b-8e17-51f8233e0a5f" target="_blank">Bailey leaves legacy as player, teammate | DenverBroncos.com</a><br>Champ Bailey ends his career as a Bronco on Tuesday, and he leaves a legacy as both a player and teammate.</p>
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<br><em>Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Bailey%E2%80%99s-influence-felt-everywhere/6dba5f81-aded-4183-add5-a83a81ff74a4" target="_blank">Bailey’s influence felt everywhere</a><br>Nearly 20 former teammates, plus Broncos coaches and team personnel from a variety of departments came to watch Bailey say goodbye to the game and his team.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/10048/the-film-dont-lie-broncos-9?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Denver Broncos weekly film study - ESPN</a><br>This weekly look at Denver Broncos film outlines the St. Louis' ability to slow the Broncos by pressuring <span>Peyton Manning</span> and making WRs go outside.</p>
<p><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/18/montee-ball-to-miss-a-few-weeks-after-aggravating-groin-injury/" target="_blank">Montee Ball to miss a few weeks after aggravating groin injury | ProFootballTalk</a><br>The Broncos are still holding out hope that tight end <span>Julius Thomas</span> might be able to play this week. They know running back <span>Montee Ball</span> won't. According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Ball is expected to miss two or three weeks after aggravating a groin injury.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26962846/broncos-mailbag-how-loud-grows-call-sign-lineman-richie-incognito" target="_blank">Broncos Mailbag: How loud grows call to sign lineman Richie Incognito? - The Denver Post</a><br>Drew - Yes, the call for Incognito became a little more desperate. He will NOT be signed this week for several reasons. Timing is one. The Broncos play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> this week. The Dolphins were Incognito's team during the infamous bullying incident last year. What a madhouse Dove Valley would be if Incognito stepped in the building this week, of all weeks.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/10051/broncos-want-offense-to-be-a-little-more-grounded?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Broncos want offense to be a little more grounded - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN</a><br>The Broncos had just 10 rushing attempts in Sunday's loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/11/adrian-peterson-nfl-future">Where does Adrian Peterson’s NFL career go from here? | For The Win</a><br>The suspended star running back will likely return to the field at some point. But where? And how productive will he be?</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/horse_tracks/2014/11/19/7245735/terrell-davis-hall-of-famekmonty2014-11-18T20:51:22-07:002014-11-18T20:51:22-07:00Thanks Champ
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<p>Everything is as it should be. Champ Bailey finished his career as he was meant to - as one of the Denver Broncos. Hopefully the current Broncos players were paying attention because Champ's work ethic and competitive nature are the epitome of a tough player. #ThanksChamp</p> <p>All is right in the world once again.</p>
<p>Losses be damned, today was a day for celebration.</p>
<p><span>Champ Bailey</span> - one of the best cornerbacks to play the game and apparently a favorite of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> owner Pat Bowlen - came home today.</p>
<p>And the G.O.A.T retired a Bronco.</p>
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<p>Champ Bailey officially retires as a member of the Denver <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThanksChamp?src=hash">#ThanksChamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/HYxlTczu9N">https://t.co/HYxlTczu9N</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/534788387279233024">November 18, 2014</a>
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<p>"It's real tough walking away because I've been doing this thing the last 28 years," said Champ, who more than once stated he had no regrets on his career that started professionally in 1999 as a first-round draft choice for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>. In his rookie season, Champ became the youngest player in NFL history to post three interceptions in a game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p>Champ thanked the Redskins for "taking a shot" with him as a young cornerback fresh out of the University of Georgia. And then he thanked the Broncos for bringing him to "the greatest place on earth."</p>
<p>John Elway never got to play with Champ but was responsible for keeping him a Bronco when No. 24's contract was up in 2011. The current GM alluded to the mess the Broncos were in when he came to the Front Office that same year.</p>
<p>"We needed some help. We needed a pillar to build around and Champ was that guy," Elway said, thanking Champ today for agreeing to stay four years ago. "He ended up leading us to three AFC West championships, something we had never done before. But also the loyalty that he showed to the Denver Broncos. It showed what the Denver Broncos meant to him and what kind of guy he was and the character that he possessed."</p>
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<div class="pullquote">We needed a pillar to build around and Champ was that guy. The loyalty he showed to the Denver Broncos showed what the Broncos meant to him and what kind of guy he was. <span>-John Elway on keeping Champ Bailey in Denver in 2011</span>
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<p>That character is what stood out to Bowlen 10 years ago when he brought Champ to Denver and compared him to Louis Wright.</p>
<p>"It came down not only to his skill on the field but how he carried himself on the field, how he carried himself in the locker room and how he carried himself in the community," said Broncos president Joe Ellis of Bowlen's reverence for Champ. "Champ represented the Broncos and the National Football League with class, with style, with dignity, with grace and generosity. He did this on his way to becoming one of the most beloved athletes in this city's history."</p>
<p>And among wide receivers and quarterbacks, Champ was one of the most feared athletes in the league. Even past his prime, quarterbacks were still avoiding Champ.</p>
<p>"Every adjective you could put to a cornerback, Champ exemplified that," Elway said, adding that what really separated Champ and made him the top echelon of cornerbacks was his willingness to be unselfish enough to say that his job was not only locking down a team's best wide receiver but also to be one of 11 guys to stop the running game. "Champ was one of those guys that committed to that and showed the toughness that he had. That's why he will be one of the best corners that ever played the game."</p>
<p>Though Champ's talent was never rewarded with a Lombardi, and his final year playing in the NFL was marred with injury, his career with the Broncos was one to always be remembered - and emulated.</p>
<p>But Champ - being Champ - was too humble on Tuesday to take so much credit.</p>
<p>"I learned from <span>Rod Smith</span>, <span>John Lynch</span> and Darrell Green early in my career. Those guys taught me what it was to be a pro and that is all I hope guys say about me," Champ said. "Did I teach them something, how to be a pro, how to practice, whatever it may be? I just hope I rubbed off in a good way on a lot of guys with no negativity."</p>
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<p>A tribute to <a href="https://twitter.com/champbailey">@champbailey</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThanksChamp?src=hash">#ThanksChamp</a> WATCH: <a href="http://t.co/QNOE9ZR3Gg">http://t.co/QNOE9ZR3Gg</a> <a href="http://t.co/wSO65jrHNA">pic.twitter.com/wSO65jrHNA</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/534813795458494464">November 18, 2014</a>
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<p>The 12-time Pro Bowler - eight with the Broncos - added with a laugh that while he loves football and loves the guys in it, he won't miss the grinding now at age 36.</p>
<p>"Honestly, the best moments I had weren't on the field. I love football, but like I said, it's really about these guys," Champ said, choking up for a brief moment as he referenced the players in the audience. "We had a lot of fun. That's really what I miss the most - just the camaraderie, being around the guys, building relationships. I made a lot of friends."</p>
<p>In one tiny flash of self promotion - though hardly arrogant - Champ answered honestly to a reporter who asked if he hoped to be voted into the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>"I'd vote for me," he said.</p>
<p>Among Champ's storied career, the 2005-2006 seasons will stand out as his best, recording 18 interceptions over that two-year period, most in the NFL since Everson Walls' 18 from 1981-1982.</p>
<p>Champ had 10 interceptions in 2006 alone, tying him for the NFL lead that year and propelling him to a second-place finish for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.</p>
<p>But one of his most dramatic and most remembered plays is the near pick-6 he had on <span>Tom Brady</span> in the 2006 AFC divisional playoff in New England. He intercepted in the end zone and ran 100 yards to the one-yard line.</p>
<p>"It changed the game at that moment. It flipped that game," Champ said of his phenomenal interception. "It's one of the best memories that I have."</p>
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<p>"It changed the game at that moment. It flipped that game. One of the best memories I have."- Champ on Patriots INT <a href="http://t.co/RC0PL6tjDH">pic.twitter.com/RC0PL6tjDH</a></p>
— Laurie Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/534807648366252032">November 18, 2014</a>
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<p>One of the best among Broncos fans as well. That electrifying play sums up perfectly the competitive nature Champ brought to every game.</p>
<p>He said in his press conference that his goal was always to be the best player on the field.</p>
<p>He achieved that - game after game.</p>
<p>In his final season, though hampered by a Lisfranc injury, Champ helped the Broncos to its seventh AFC Championship and earned his first trip to a Super Bowl in 15 years of playing the game.</p>
<p>That game didn't end the way any of us wanted - not for the Broncos and definitely not for our beloved Champ.</p>
<p>But ever the professional, Champ said nothing in his career is a regret - not that loss to Seattle, not the fact that he has no Super Bowl ring, and not even the circumstances that led him to an unsuccessful final bid with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> before coming back to Denver to retire a Bronco.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">I just hope they say I played with everything I had. I played hard. I played smart. Tough. And I was a great teammate. <span>-Champ Bailey, greatest cornerback of all time</span>
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<p>"I've overcome a lot of things - injuries, bad plays, bad coaching," he said, and then quickly followed up with, "not this staff, not this staff. Trust me. We've got a great staff here."</p>
<p>But then the greatest cornerback of all time said the thing that proves why he is rightfully separated not just from other corners but from so many other players.</p>
<p>"I just hope they say I played with everything I had. I played hard. I played smart. Tough. And I was a great teammate. That's all that matters."</p>
<p>Take note, <span>Richard Sherman</span>, this is how it's done. Both on the field, and most certainly, off. There are no islands. There are only teams.</p>
<p>And this Broncos team is Champ's.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>An emotional <a href="https://twitter.com/champbailey">@champbailey</a> officially steps away. WATCH: <a href="http://t.co/i4dccIJsd6">http://t.co/i4dccIJsd6</a> <a href="http://t.co/u6IhuLDaF0">pic.twitter.com/u6IhuLDaF0</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/534846814784983041">November 18, 2014</a>
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<p>Though there will be no riding off into the sunset while holding a Super Bowl trophy, Champ's final chapter does have a bit of a storybook ending - his final game at Mile High was the 2014 AFC Championship win.</p>
<p>"Regardless of what happened after that, that moment was special for me and I will never forget it," Champ said of the game that the Broncos beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> to advance to his only Super Bowl. "The biggest game you can play on your own field. I'll never forget it. Hopefully this year, they don't come up short."</p>
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<div class="pullquote">I just hope the Broncos got as much from me as I got from this organization. <span>-Champ Bailey, future HOF cornerback</span>
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<p>Then Champ rephrased because he knew he misspoke.</p>
<p>"I would say ‘we' because I feel like I'm still a part of this. I hope <i>we</i> don't come up short this year."</p>
<p>Champ, you are most definitely part of this. Any trophy that may come the Broncos way belongs to you, too.</p>
<p>"Every year I've been here, we've always had a chance to win," Champ said. "I hope the Broncos got as much from me as I got from this organization."</p>
<p>Most definitely. And then some.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/11/18/7244861/champ-bailey-retires-a-broncoLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2014-11-18T12:45:02-07:002014-11-18T12:45:02-07:00Champ Bailey is awesome live blog
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<p>The Greatest of all Time (Broncos cornerbacks, that is) calls it a career today, signing a one-day contract with the Broncos to retire with the team.</p> <p><span>Champ Bailey's</span> press conference is expected to begin at 1:00 p.m. MST. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/BroncosTV" target="new">@BroncosTV on Twitter</a> for a live stream of the conference, and watch all the coverage below.</p>
<p>In the meantime, share your favorite Champ Bailey memories in the comments!</p>
<p>This one's for Champ!</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/11/18/7240291/champ-bailey-retirement-live-blogkmonty2014-11-18T07:25:51-07:002014-11-18T07:25:51-07:00Champ Bailey retirement press conference at 1pm<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/534707713629245441">Champ Bailey retirement press conference at&nbsp;1pm</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>This one's for Champ!</p></p></div>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/11/18/7240359/champ-bailey-retirement-press-conference-at-1pmkmonty2014-11-14T15:29:43-07:002014-11-14T15:29:43-07:00Champ Bailey to retire as a Bronco
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>All is right in Broncos Country, arguably the greatest cornerback in Broncos history will resign a one-day deal with the team and retire as a Denver Bronco. </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/broncos/champ-bailey-to-sign-1-day-contract-retire-as-broncos-player11142014">(H/T to thedenverchannel.com)</a></p>
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<p>Bailey will officially resign with the team on Tuesday there will be a press conference held at 1PM mountain time. Champ Bailey was a casualty of a large salary and diminished play. Champ tried to catch on this offseason with New Orleans as a nickelback but was ultimately cut before the final roster was formed. Champ officially announced his retirement several weeks ago after garnering no interest from other teams.</p>
<p>Champ's final season as a Bronco was marred with a Lisfranc injury. By the time he returned to the lineup, Champ was inserted as the nickelback with varied results. In his one and only trip to the Super Bowl during his storied career, the defense was not helped by a mistake prone offense and an opportunistic Seahawk squad that put the game away early.</p>
<p>Always soft spoken but honest, Champ's greatest play might have been his near-pick 6 of Tom Brady in the 2005 divisional round. That play completely changed the complexion of the game and allowed the Broncos to win going away, handing Brady and Belichick their first playoff loss as Quarterback and Coach.</p>
<p>Nobody played off coverage like Champ. In his heyday, no one could run that quick slant over the middle without having the ball knocked down. It's unfortunate that in the ultimate team sport of football that Champ never got to taste the victory of a world championship, but in a handful of years, he is a lock to make the pro football Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>Champ will always be a Bronco, and he will always be one of the best!</p>
<p>(Courtesy of pro football reference)</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/11/14/7223183/champ-bailey-to-retire-a-broncoBronco Mike2014-10-29T07:00:06-06:002014-10-29T07:00:06-06:00What was your favorite Champ moment?
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<p>I asked the Mile High Report staff what their favorite Champ Bailey moments were, and invite you to share yours in the comments.</p> <h4>2005-06 AFC Divisional Playoffs - <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>
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<p>Hands down, my favorite Champ Bailey interception is one of my favorite Broncos interceptions of all time (and likely of most Broncos fans) - Champ picking off <span>Tom Brady</span> in the end zone during the AFC divisional playoffs at New England and running back nearly 100 yards before getting knocked out at the 1 yard line.</p>
<p>Interceptions are some of the most exciting plays in pro football, in my opinion, and Champ did it 52 times in his career, 34 times for Denver. And picking off Brady? In the playoffs? Well, it just can't get any better.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> Champ Bailey retires (yes, he's ours)...good time to relive his best INT ever! <a href="http://t.co/SZgozQ2KJg">http://t.co/SZgozQ2KJg</a> <a href="http://t.co/YXtzDZKD7q">pic.twitter.com/YXtzDZKD7q</a></p>
— Laurie Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/527166104373055488">October 28, 2014</a>
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<p><b><em>- Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann</em></b></p>
<h4>2010, Week 4 - Broncos 17, <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a> 10</h4>
<p>It's odd that my favorite memory would come from the McDaniels era. It was against the Cowboys, late in the game, in fact the Cowboys had the ball at our goal line and were threatening to put the game into overtime. Twice in a row <span>Tony Romo</span> threw the quick slant. Twice in a row Champ Bailey like he did so many times in his career, read the route, broke on the ball, and picture-perfect knocked the attempt away at the last moment.</p>
<p>This is the signature play for me, Champ breaking up a quick slant. On this day, it saved the Broncos victory. <b><i>- Bronco Mike</i></b></p>
<h4>2005, Week 2 - Broncos 20, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> 17</h4>
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<p>My favorite Champ Bailey moment occurred in 2005.The Broncos had already lost in embarrassing fashion to Miami in the season opener. We didn't even look like a professional football team at that moment. Yes, it was sweltering hot and players were dropping like flies from cramps, but the Broncos just looked awful.</p>
<p>The next week they were home against the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers were putting a whooping on us and our "we are gonna make the Super Bowl" talks from the offseason looked like foolish homerism. Enter one Mr. Champ Freaking Bailey. He picked off <span>Drew Brees</span> 4 seconds into the second half and returned it to the house for a 25 yard touchdown!</p>
<p>Before that play, the Broncos were losing 14-3 at the half and looking to go nowhere. Their season was looking bleak at best. After that pick six, the Broncos found new life and ripped off five wins in a row en route to a 13-3 season and a home AFC Championship game.</p>
<p>Without Champ, that season is lost. Without that one play, that season is lost. Not only did Champ turn that game around, but he turned the entire season around for the Broncos. He gave that team their swagger. - <b><i>Big Pete</i></b></p>
<h4>2006, Week 5 - Broncos 13, <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> 3 (Monday Night Football)</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261009007">I loved this game</a> for a lot of reasons. Denver defenders intercepted <span>Steve McNair</span> three times - including <span>Champ Bailey's</span> leaping end zone INT at the end of the first half - that ranks as my 2nd-favorite Bailey moment (behind his Playoffs Pick Six, which Laurie already covered). It was on the national stage, and the Broncos showed up big. <span>Tatum Bell</span> carried <span>Ray Lewis</span> to the end zone. <span>Jake Plummer</span> regained a winning NFL record (amazing since he was 30-52 in his first six years with the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a>).</p>
<p>It was a great game all around, one of my favorite Broncos games I can remember, but Bailey's end zone pick made it a statement win. <b><i>- Monty</i></b></p>
<h4>His entire Broncos career</h4>
<p>My favorite Champ memory has less to do with a play, but more to do with his dedication to our team. For years after we traded for him, Champ stuck with us through some pretty frustrating seasons. We were often so close to getting in the playoffs, but just missing. We then had the fiasco McDaniels era that he had to suffer through. The big thing I remember about Champ was that when Elway came in one of the first things he did was talk to Champ who stuck with us even though he didn't have to. He could have jumped ship and instead signed a 4 year deal to help turn this organization around. <b><i>- Sadaraine</i></b></p>
<p><em>What was your favorite Champ Bailey moment? Let us know in the comments.</em></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/10/29/7086521/what-was-your-favorite-champ-bailey-momentkmonty2014-10-29T06:00:06-06:002014-10-29T06:00:06-06:00Champ says goodbye to legendary NFL career
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<p>Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey retired from the NFL Tuesday after 15 seasons, 10 of them with the Denver Broncos. A big Mile High Salute to one of the best corners to play the game and one of the greatest Broncos ever. Period.</p> <p>In the annals of <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> history, <span>Champ Bailey's</span> 10-year career here will be among the most-storied ones.</p>
<p>And for <i>so many</i> good reasons - G.O.A.T being just one.</p>
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<p>His 15 years in the NFL will undoubtedly be rewarded with a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction.</p>
<p>His long resumé of accomplishments will forever be exalted by secondary coaches and players alike who desire to be, like Bailey, students of the game.</p>
<p>His legacy as one of the best shutdown corners to ever play pro football will not be too lauded a claim.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Champ Bailey is one of the best to ever do it, in my opinion. A great conserver of energy, Champ wasn't in a rush to get anywhere fast unless it was on the football field. He was one of the most knowledgeable and gifted players I've ever played with. <span>-<span>Brian Dawkins</span>, former Broncos teammate</span>
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<p>Bailey was everything we thought he would be when he became a Bronco - and much more.</p>
<p>"He's as good as there has ever been, not only as a cornerback but on defense, period," said 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. 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."</p>
<p>Heralded as one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL, Champ was feared by OCs, quarterbacks and receivers alike who schemed against him even into his aging years.</p>
<p>But perhaps most impressive was that there was equal dread from running backs - even quarterbacks! - who were all-too-familiar with <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/9580/champ-bailey-was-always-more-than-a-cover-corner">Champ's willingness to get dirty</a>, make a tackle, do whatever necessary to stop an offense.</p>
<p>Jeff Legwold writes about a tackle Champ made on <span>Ronnie Brown</span> during a sweltering game at Miami in 2005 - a game the Broncos would lose in spite of Champ's heroics.</p>
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<p>"Bailey charged the line of scrimmage, stopping Brown in the dirt for a 5-yard gain with no yardage after contact as Bailey dislocated his shoulder doing it. It's not that Bailey, a top-shelf cornerback, made the play. It's that he was willing to make the play."</p>
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<p>And Champ would make that play over and over and over again. That's what made him special - 15 years of making a play on the ball - doing it quietly but fiercely.</p>
<p>For five years he did it for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Redskins</a>, before doing it even better for another 10 years with the Broncos.</p>
<p>As the Redskins' No. 1 draft pick in 1999, Champ tallied five interceptions and one touchdown. He also had one sack and 61 tackles, third best on a playoff-bound Redskins team - <i>as a rookie</i>. The former Georgia Bulldog was known for being everywhere on the field and was earning respect from coaches and teammates alike early on.</p>
<p><span>Peyton Manning</span> recognized it while a quarterback at University of Tennessee where the UT-Georgia game was always a hot SEC matchup. In fact, Manning still remembers one of Champ's interceptions on him.</p>
<p>"I still haven't gotten over...I scrambled out to the right, I had a guy open in the back of the end zone, and I thought I was going to throw a touchdown," Manning recalled. "And Champ Bailey intercepts it, so I knew then what a special player and athlete he was."</p>
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<div class="pullquote">He was truly a great competitor with talent and work ethic. He had unbelievable cover skills and unbelievable ball skills. Champ Bailey is one of the best cornerbacks to ever play in the NFL. I miss him. I miss seeing No. 24 out there. <span>-Peyton Manning, quarterback</span>
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<p>"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," said Manning, who hit the NFL just a year before Bailey. "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. Champ Bailey is one of the best cornerbacks ever to play in the NFL, in my opinion."</p>
<p><span>And then in 2004 - in what should be considered the trade of the century - the Broncos handed over their superstar running back, Clinton Portis, to the Redskins in exchange for Bailey and a second-round draft pick.</span></p>
<p>Portis had just finished his second 1,500+-yard rushing season for the Broncos and Bailey had accumulated 18 interceptions in his five years at Washington.</p>
<p>If there is ever a testament to the value of that trade, it is Portis himself being in awe of the man for whom he was traded.</p>
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<p>Congratulations to 12-time Pro Bowler Champ Bailey on an outstanding career. <a href="http://t.co/ipgSToBHZN">pic.twitter.com/ipgSToBHZN</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/527168790958571520">October 28, 2014</a>
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<p>"Knowing Champ and being a big fan of Champ since his [University of Georgia] days, I'm thinking like, ‘Man, I'm getting traded for Champ Bailey?'" <a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Remembering-The-Trade/3abbaba0-0779-4623-9254-9aafe8d3de14">Portis said about the trade deal</a>. "So to me it was just an honor to be in a trade with Champ Bailey. And then they also got a pick for me, so I felt like I was hot stuff."</p>
<p><b>It was Bailey, of course, who really turned out to be hot stuff.</b></p>
<p>Bailey's 12 career Pro Bowl selections trail only Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White's 13 among all defensive players in NFL history, and Champ is tied for the sixth most overall. Eight of his Pro Bowl selections came with the Broncos, tying for the second-highest total in team history behind Hall-of-Fame quarterback John Elway.</p>
<p><span>In 215 career regular-season games, Bailey amassed 52 interceptions, 983 tackles (837 of them solo), 235 passes defensed, three sacks, nine forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.</span></p>
<p>His 52 interceptions were the most among NFL cornerbacks during his 15-year career (1999-2013), and his 235 passes defensed led all NFL players during that period.</p>
<p>Bailey started 10-of-11 career postseason games, recording 34 tackles, two interceptions - for 105 yards - and 10 passes defensed.</p>
<p>Among those playoff interceptions is one of the most talked-about among Broncos fans - an end zone interception of <span>Tom Brady</span> in the 2006 divisional playoff against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a>.</p>
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<p>After making the Pro Bowl during four of his first five NFL seasons with Washington, Bailey immediately made his mark in Denver, totaling 21 interceptions during his first three years with the club and earning first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press following each of those seasons.</p>
<p>Bailey finished his Broncos career tied for fourth on the club's all-time interceptions list with 34, including a personal-best 10 interceptions in 2006 as runner-up for the Associated Press' NFL Defensive Player of the Year.</p>
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<p>Salute to the great Champ Bailey ! Definitely a role model of mine !</p>
— <span>Bradley Roby</span> (@BradRoby_1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradRoby_1/status/527229264543113216">October 28, 2014</a>
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<p><span>Mike Shanahan</span>, Broncos head coach at the time of Bailey's addition, noted the cornerback's skills as well as his work ethic.</p>
<p>"You can see his skill on film, but what you don't know is what a great guy he is, how he practices, how accountable he is and how much you enjoy being around him," Shanahan said after news of Champ's retirement.</p>
<p>"With Champ, you just didn't have to worry about the receiver on his side of the field," Shanahan added. "When you talk about Hall of Fame cornerbacks, those are the guys you can say that about. He always played at a very high level and had such a presence and class about himself. You just don't find guys like Champ Bailey very often."</p>
<p>No you don't, but somehow, by the gods of good fortune (and of late, the magic of Elway), the Broncos have had more than their fair share of hard-working "good guys."</p>
<p>Like Ring-of-Famer Rod Smith.</p>
<p>So it's no wonder Smith had respect for the all-pro corner he practiced against every week.</p>
<p>"The trade to get Champ Bailey is one of the best moves the Broncos have ever made," Smith said. "We got his best 10 years in the NFL, and I'm grateful to be able to call him a friend. His work in practice was the foundation for excelling in the games, and he served as a great example for any athlete."</p>
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<div class="pullquote">His skill was obvious. He was one of the best tacklers I have ever seen. Coupled with that he was able to play shutdown, zone and bump-and-run. He did it all and was truly a complete player. <span>-<span>John Lynch</span>, former Broncos teammate</span>
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<p>Elway, who exited the NFL the year Bailey entered, and who was not yet part of the front office that brought Champ to Denver, still played a critical role in keeping the Pro Bowler with the Broncos as long as possible.</p>
<p><span>When it came time to look at Bailey's contract in 2011, Elway didn't flinch at doing whatever it would take to keep him.</span></p>
<p>"Champ was the pillar in this organization for a long, long time," Elway noted on Tuesday. "He brought great stability to the Broncos, not only as a player but as a person, through his ability and leadership. He was the guy 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."</p>
<p>Elway certainly knows a thing or two about turnarounds. And he saw in Champ the kind of skill that the entire team - and Broncos Country - could benefit from and appreciate.</p>
<p>"He was a complete corner with tremendous toughness and ability to cover," Elway added. "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. 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."</p>
<p>And that is exactly what Champ did say Tuesday when he announced his retirement from the NFL.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> and Champ Bailey will hold retirement press conference on Tue. Nov. 18th. Champ's statement concludes, "God bless and Go Broncos!"</p>
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport/status/527230512851480576">October 28, 2014</a>
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<p>"Every professional athlete knows and understands that at some point his career will end and it will be time to move on to another phase in life. For me, that time is now," said the 36-year-old, who despite nagging injuries in his final few years remained one of the most feared cornerbacks on the field. "I have been truly blessed. I have been able to play this NFL game I love for 15 seasons."</p>
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<div class="pullquote">I had the chance to play with one of the greatest quarterbacks ever and make it to the Super Bowl. I could not have played for a better organization or had better teammates and coaches. I thank them all. God bless and go Broncos! <span>-Champ Bailey, G.O.A.T</span>
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<p>Bailey thanked the Redskins for making him their first pick 15 years ago, and he noted his privilege for getting to come to Denver and play for the "best fans in the NFL."</p>
<p>Finally, he thanked Elway for bringing in Manning to help build a championship team for Champ and his Broncos.</p>
<p>"I had the chance to play with one of the greatest quarterbacks ever and make it to the Super Bowl," Champ said. "I could not have played for a better organization or had better teammates and coaches. I thank them all."</p>
<p>And we thank <i>you</i>, Champ.</p>
<p>You leave the NFL quietly, with no Super Bowl ring but a mountain of respect from your peers, reverence from your successors and love from the fans you so often impressed.</p>
<p>Make no mistake, any Super Bowl bling that comes to this franchise belongs to you, too. You helped rebuild this team and keep it alive during the lean years.</p>
<p>You weren't drafted a Bronco, and you haven't <i>yet</i> retired a Bronco, but to us, you will never be anything but one of the greatest Broncos of all time.</p>
<p><i style="font-size: 1em;"><b>So here's a big Mile High Salute, No. 24 - you more than deserve it.</b></i></p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2014/10/29/7087879/a-champs-champ-broncos-former-cornerback-hangs-up-his-cleats-one-lastLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann