After 12 Pro Bowls, numerous awards and accolations, the former star Washington/Denver cornerback from the University of Georgia has decided to retire.
Announcing this news was his agent Jack Reale, who told the Baltimore Sun "Champ has some outstanding opportunities that he's going to pursue. He's heard from several teams, I'm not going to say who, but this is the way that Champ has decided to go. He's had a great career."
With this announcement, the potential Hall Of Fame Class of 2019, which includes safety Ed Reed and tight end Tony Gonzalez, just got a lot stronger. Bailey was drafted by Washington with the 7th overall pick in the 1999 draft after a season at Georgia where stood out on defense, winning the Bronko Nagurski Award for the most Outstanding Defensive Player, and had a successful season on the offensive side of the ball, catching 47 passes for 744 yards and 5 TDs .
Bailey was a shut down corner, one that teams are dying to find in the NFL's current pass happy league. He led the league in interceptions (10) in 2006 and made the Pro Bowl 12 times.
He will be missed by all, except for offensive coordinators, QBs and wide receivers. But the compliments and well wishes have already started to float in for the soon-to-be HOFer.
It's official Champ Bailey calls it a career, next stop Canton. #gamer pic.twitter.com/DP2AhPaH12
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) October 28, 2014
Congratulations to 12-time Pro Bowler Champ Bailey on an outstanding career. pic.twitter.com/ipgSToBHZN
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 28, 2014
Champ Bailey retires with 12 Pro Bowl selections, tied for the most among defensive backs in NFL history pic.twitter.com/KEARXVTUBj
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 28, 2014
