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Champ Bailey News & Rumors

Bailey: Orton's work on scout team big asset
December 30
Denver Post
 
"Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey? offered a different take on his team's defense facing Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton? on Sunday. Namely, it's not that Orton was the Broncos' starter earlier this season that gives him some quality intel on Denver's defense, but that Orton was the team's scout-team quarterback when Tim Tebow? moved into the starting job. The scout-team quarterback runs the opponents' offense against the starting defense in practice. "It's more scripted for him (in that role), but what he sees from us is what we do on Sunday," Bailey said. "I think he has more of an edge on that than anybody, and for us to say we've got an edge on anything he did on scout team is silly. "From"
Broncos' Champ Bailey knows he'll have hands full with Lions' Calvin Johnson
October 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey has watched Calvin Johnson's ascension to elite wide receiver from afar. On Sunday, he will get a firsthand look at the explosive Detroit Lions receiver for the first time since a 2007 matchup, when Johnson was a raw but talented rookie. "Back then, he was a young pup," Bailey said. "He wasn't polished yet, but he's figured that thing out real fast. He has no issues now. He's using everything he has — size, strength, all his speed. You see all the different parts of his game coming out.""
Broncos' Champ Bailey vs. Lions' Calvin Johnson will be matchup to watch Sunday
October 27
Denver Post
 
"With all of the situational football that is the hallmark of the NFL these days, and with so many substitutions after virtually every snap, the smaller one-on-one battles in the game aren't always as prominent as they once were. But in Sunday's Broncos-Lions game, there will be two spots in particular that will bear more than a little attention before the day is done. The Broncos have matched Bailey, almost exclusively, against the opponent's top receiver for much of the past two games."
Broncos' Bailey ready for matchup against former teammate Marshall
October 21
Denver Post
 
"Champ Bailey isn't scared of Brandon Marshall. Bailey isn't saying he's going to get in a fight with his former teammate or anything — as Marshall infamously stated the previous week about a couple of New York Jets. Marshall, as it turned out, didn't back up his words. His Miami Dolphins lost again Monday night, and Marshall lost his receiver-vs.-cornerback battle with Darrelle Revis?. Bailey, the Broncos' best cornerback for going on eight years, isn't fueling his expected contest against Marshall with words. "Body-wise, it doesn't look like he's gotten any smaller since he left here," Bailey said. "But I pretty much always go up against guys bigger than me.""
Champ Bailey eager to return Sunday vs. Chargers
October 8
Denver Post
 
"After missing three games with a hamstring injury, Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey? said he was taking no chances this week when fellow defensive backs Rahim Moore and Jonathan Wilhite? missed practice time with an illness. "I told everybody, I'll be in the meeting room, but I'll cover my face and don't anybody talk to me," Bailey said with a laugh. "Obviously, I want to be out there this week." Bailey has missed the Broncos' last three games since injuring his hamstring in the season opener against the Oakland Raiders?. And the last three quarterbacks the Broncos have faced threw for 332 yards (Bengals rookie Andy Dalton?), 311 (Titans' Matt Hasselbeck?) and 408 (Packers' Aaron Rodgers?)"
Broncos get good news: Champ Bailey back at practice
October 6
Denver Post
 
"While the Broncos formally added tight end Daniel Fells (knee) and safety Brian Dawkins (ankle) to the injured list Wednesday, Broncos head coach John Fox did take a little good news out of the day. And that was the status of cornerback Champ Bailey. Bailey has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury, practiced fully for the first time since the injury and continues on track to return to the lineup Sunday against the Chargers if he continues to practice through the week. "Any time you've got a 10-time Pro Bowler, you know, who's on the shelf or not on the buffet, it's good to have him back," Fox said. "(It) obviously makes the coach smile a little bit bigger.""
Big names on Broncos injury list after loss to Raiders
September 13
Denver Post
 
"As if losing to the Raiders for the fourth straight time wasn't bad enough for the Broncos. They also saw several key starters leave the game with injuries. Elvis Dumervil, Champ Bailey, Brandon Lloyd and Knowshon Moreno will all have MRIs on Tuesday. Dumervil has a strained shoulder, an injury that he told reporters he first suffered this week in practice. He was able to keep practicing through it, and started the game, but came out midway through the first quarter. He was able to return, but played only on passing downs. He was replaced by Jason Hunter in the base defense."
Big names on Broncos injury list after loss to Raiders
September 13
Denver Post
 
"As if losing to the Raiders for the fourth straight time wasn't bad enough for the Broncos. They also saw several key starters leave the game with injuries. Elvis Dumervil, Champ Bailey, Brandon Lloyd and Knowshon Moreno will all have MRIs on Tuesday. Dumervil has a strained shoulder, an injury that he told reporters he first suffered this week in practice. He was able to keep practicing through it, and started the game, but came out midway through the first quarter. He was able to return, but played only on passing downs. He was replaced by Jason Hunter in the base defense."
Broncos' Champ Bailey eager for new challenge to play nickel too
August 24
Denver Post
 
"Used to be, nickel back was for kids. A rookie breaking in, a free agent on the cheap, a longtime starter trying to hang on. Whatever the pool, they were the third-best cornerback on an NFL team. John Elway, Jake Plummer? and Jay Cutler were Broncos quarterbacks. Broncos nickel backs have been veterans such as Nate Jones, Ty Law and Dre Bly?, kids such as Joshua Bell, Karl Paymah? and Domonique Foxworth. The Broncos' nickel back in 2011? The one and only Champ. It's not what you think. Champ Bailey remains unquestionably the Broncos' best cornerback. At an annual average salary of $10.75 million, he is the highest-paid player on the team and third-highest defensive back in the league"
Broncos' Champ Bailey is clear: I am a top-five cornerback
July 30
Denver Post
 
"Having just turned 33 in a job that usually spits out 30-somethings, Champ Bailey is aware some folks say quarterbacks aren't as afraid of him as they used to be. When passers really need a completion, they're a little more willing to look his way. But ask him where he believes his game is as his 13th season approaches and Bailey is bluntly confident. "I'm still elite, definitely," Bailey said. "I'm still one of the top-five corners in this game. I look at my whole game, not just covering, not just tackling, not just one area, my whole game. I'm definitely one of the elite - still." After pulling a contract offer off the table midway through last season, the Broncos had a change of heart"
Broncos sign Champ Bailey to 4-year deal
February 23
Denver Post
 
"All right, John Elway. Now let's see what you can do about that defensive front seven. As a Bronco, Elway is on a 14-year hot streak. He won the Super Bowl in his final two seasons as a Denver quarterback. Then, after a 12-year hiatus, Elway returned to run the Broncos' front office. On Tuesday, in his first major player personnel decision, Elway re-signed star cornerback Champ Bailey to a four-year contract worth $43 million. "It's still about whether you win on the field," Elway said. "No one knows that better than I do." All along, Elway wanted Bailey back. But for the sake of unity, Elway had to allow new head coach John Fox and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to watch film and"
Champ Bailey appreciates Broncos fans' rally
February 21
Denver Post
 
"Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey wants his most devoted fans to know he appreciates the thought. Fans organized a "Champ Bailey Rally" at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday. The turnout was light — about 40, according to organizer Cris Flores — on a windy, brisk afternoon. Then again, this may have been an unprecedented event. Has there ever been a fan rally asking a Denver sports team to re-sign an athlete who is about to become a free agent? "Maybe this will help," Bailey said Sunday by text after the rally that was organized through Facebook. "Maybe we can get something done." Bailey just finished up his seventh season with the Broncos with his sixth Pro Bowl appearance. The team and"
Fans hold rally asking Broncos to re-sign Champ Bailey
February 21
Denver Post
 
"Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey wants his most devoted fans to know he appreciates the thought. Fans organized a "Champ Bailey Rally" at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday. The turnout was light — about 40, according to organizer Cris Flores — on a windy, brisk afternoon. Then again, this may have been an unprecedented event. Has there ever been a fan rally asking a Denver sports team to re-sign an athlete who is about to become a free agent? "Maybe this will help," Bailey said Sunday by text after the rally that was organized through Facebook. "Maybe we can get something done.""
Elway says Broncos want to re-sign Bailey
February 18
Denver Post
 
"John Elway, the Broncos' new front-office boss, re-emphasized by Twitter on Thursday the team's commitment to re-sign cornerback Champ Bailey before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. But no thanks to chief nemesis Al Davis, the Broncos have a ways to go before they can reach an agreement with their cornerback. Davis, the Oakland Raiders' owner, re-signed Richard Seymour, a defensive end who will turn 32 in October, to a two-year contract that has been reported by multiple outlets as having $22.5 million guaranteed. The Broncos' offer to Bailey, who will turn 33 in June, has less than $15 million guaranteed."
Bad sign? Broncos' Champ Bailey puts house up for sale as free agency nears
February 17
Denver Post
 
"It is an exceptional real estate listing to be sure. Yes, the well-appointed Littleton home is the only one in the Denver area that has been occupied by a 10-time Pro Bowl selection. As of Wednesday, Champ Bailey's house is officially on the market. Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, confirmed Bailey has listed the home, which real estate records show Bailey purchased for $1.6 million in June of 2007. Bailey, who has been with the Broncos since the blockbuster trade in 2004 that sent running back Clinton Portis to the Redskins and brought Bailey to Denver, will be an unrestricted free agent when the new season begins, or after an expected lockout by franchise owners is resolved with a new"
Contract negotiations resume between Broncos, Bailey
February 16
Denver Post
 
"Contract negotiations between the Broncos and star cornerback Champ Bailey have resumed. "He's a guy we have strong feelings about," coach John Fox said. "We've had some dialogue there. There have been discussions. "He's a guy we definitely want to bring back. You never know how things like that work out, but we're moving forward as best we know how." Bailey recently completed his seven-year, $63 million contract with his 10th Pro Bowl appearance, a record among NFL cornerbacks. He will be eligible for un-restricted free agency once the league and the players union reach a settlement on a new collective bargaining agreement. While a few teams have applied franchise tags to their most"
Champ Bailey named to NFL Pro Bowl, sets a record for cornerbacks
January 28
Denver Post
 
"Champ Bailey always has said if he were invited to the Pro Bowl, he would never say no. Thursday, in what could be his last official act with the Broncos, Bailey made NFL history with his 10th invitation to the all-star game. Bailey had been the first alternate at cornerback, and the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha will not be able to play in Sunday's game because of an injury. Bailey now has the record for all-time Pro Bowl appearances for a cornerback, after being tied with Hall of Famer Mike Haynes at nine. In the days before getting the nod, Bailey said he had continued to work out since the end of the Broncos' 4-12 season "just in case I get the call. I'm not sitting around doing nothing."
Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey one fan of Fox
January 15
Denver Post
 
"Champ Bailey understands he may never play for John Fox. But until he's told otherwise, Bailey is a Bronco and he's all for the possibility of having Fox as his next head coach. "I don't think him being let go in Carolina reflects on what he did there," Bailey said. "I like it. I like what he's done. He's been to a Super Bowl, so the guy knows how to win football games. He knows how to take a team from nothing to something. I don't know how I'm going to fit into the picture, but as far as making him the head coach, I like it." Not surprisingly, Bailey as a cornerback doesn't much care whether the Broncos stay with their current 3-4 scheme or switch to the 4-3 that has been Fox's"
Bailey's future unsettled entering crucial offseason
January 3
Denver Post
 
"They could always franchise Champ Bailey. It would cost the Broncos at least $15 million for the 2011 season — 20 percent on top of the $12.5 million he made this year, not including his workout bonus. But it's an option. The other options would be to let Bailey, the Broncos' star cornerback the past seven seasons, hit the unrestricted free-agent market, where he could sign with any team. Or the Broncos could re-sign him to a longer contract at far less annual salary. The Broncos and Bailey were close on a four-year contract worth nearly $44 million in November when the team pulled out of negotiations. "I want to go where I can win, absolutely," said Bailey, 32. "But the Broncos will"
Swan song for Champ as a Bronco? More than likely
January 1
Denver Post
 
"Of all the things that have happened in Champ Bailey's time in Denver, of all the memories he has filed away, one January afternoon will always stick out. Jan. 6, 2006. "I thought we were on our way," Bailey said. "We haven't done anything since." That was when the planets aligned for the Broncos. The Colts had been knocked out of the postseason, and the Broncos had a home game for the AFC championship, which meant they were one quality day's worth of football away from the franchise's seventh Super Bowl appearance. Instead, the offense turned the ball over four times in the game, the Steelers turned those four turnovers into 24 points, and the Broncos' defense simply could not stop or"
Champ Bailey done with the Broncos? It's crossed his mind
December 31
Denver Post
 
"With no new contract talks and a painful heel injury that could keep him out of Sunday's season finale against the Chargers, Champ Bailey said Thursday that it has crossed his mind that he might have played his last game as a Bronco. Bailey is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. "I am still optimistic I can get something done here," Bailey said. "Obviously I don't hold all the cards in that situation. It's one of those things where I have to wait and see. If it happens it happens. If it's my last game, it's my last game." Bailey said his heel injury is progressing, but he won't be able to practice Thursday. He also missed Wednesday's practice. Interim head coach Eric"
Broncos' Bailey is a Pro Bowl cornerback, no matter what the voting says
December 30
Denver Post
 
"Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is the first alternate for a spot on the AFC's Pro Bowl team. What does that mean? If one of three AFC cornerbacks, who were selected by a combination of votes from NFL coaches, players and fans, can't play in the Jan. 30 game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Bailey will. But it shouldn't have come to that. Bailey should have been selected to the 10th Pro Bowl of his career, which would have set a record for a position that doesn't favor longevity. Bailey should have been at the front of the line, the first name on the dotted line. The Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, the Jets' Darrelle Revis and Patriots rookie Devin McCourty are the AFC selections at cornerback."
Bailey an alternate on Pro Bowl team
December 30
Denver Post
 
"Besides Denver's Brandon Lloyd, who was one of four receivers named to the AFC Pro Bowl team Tuesday, Champ Bailey on Wednesday was named as the first alternate, or fourth cornerback. With the possibility New England's Devin McCourty or the New York Jets' Darrelle Revis will be preparing for Super Bowl XLV in Dallas instead of playing the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Jan. 30, Bailey could wind up playing in his 10th Pro Bowl after all. "When you have a season like we've had, I don't think anyone can expect to be named to the Pro Bowl team," Bailey said, referring to the Broncos' 4-11 record that is tied for second-worst in the NFL. "Thank goodness Brandon made it so we have someone over there.""
Be smart, Broncos — Sign Bailey
December 10
Denver Post
 columnist Mark Kiszla
"With the Broncos running scared from an uncertain future, how hard would it be for owner Pat Bowlen to stop the madness and tell everybody he was committed to the team's best player? This NFL team has no future without cornerback Champ Bailey. Please tell me that Bailey will be playing in Denver next year. Quit messing with his head. Slap a franchise tag on him, if necessary. But don't let the team's one bona fide healthy star walk out the door as a free agent. There are whispers around the NFL that Bailey has lost a step, dropping him from the elite level of shut-down corners that includes Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha and Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets. That's bunk. Nobody does it"
Bailey done with change
December 8
Denver Post
 
"At 32 years old and nearing the end of his 12th season, Champ Bailey is about tired of change. The Broncos' decision to fire coach Josh McDaniels on Monday ensures there will be another new regime in Denver by next season, and leaves Bailey's future with the team even more in doubt. Bailey is set to become a free agent, and the Broncos pulled a new contract offer off the table earlier this season. How the Broncos proceed with Bailey's contract talks will let Bailey know how much of the decision to pull the previous offer was up to McDaniels, he said. "It's not all in my hands. I just know that once I'm a free agent, I can control where I go, and it's about who wants me," Bailey said"
Champ Bailey, other Broncos, react to Kenny McKinley details
December 3
Denver Post
 
"Memories are memories, Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said, and the revelation Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley faced significant gambling debts when he shot himself Sept. 20 in his Aurora home won't change how Bailey chooses to remember the 23-year-old. "Well, it (stinks) stuff like this has to come out," Bailey said the day after an Arapahoe County sheriff's office investigative report became public, "when it takes away what he meant to this organization and this team. It is what it is. We loved him around here. I just hope it doesn't take away from how people feel about him." A 121-page report detailed McKinley's struggles with gambling debts that included $40,000 owed to Las Vegas"
Bailey: Broncos' mission is to stop Rams' Jackson
November 27
Denver Post
 
"There's one opposing player who has Champ Bailey's attention this week, and for once, it isn't the opposing quarterback. Bailey, the Broncos captain and star cornerback, said the defense's biggest issue on Sunday will be stopping St. Louis running back Steven Jackson, the Rams' do-it-all running back. "He's a beast. If there's one guy that we definitely have to know where he is at all times, that's him," Bailey said today. "We can't let him get going. If we let him get going, we're in for a long day." Jackson has 811 rushing yards through 10 days and hasn't had a 100-yard rushing day since he went for 110 yards against Tampa Bay in Week 7. The Broncos run defense is allowing an average of"
49ers' deep pass to set up tying TD gets by Dawkins, Bailey
November 1
Denver Post
 
"It was the type of play for the 49ers that never should have worked. On their side, there was the former third-string quarterback, who was making his first start in three years, chucking a deep pass — while throwing off his back foot. The ball was intended for a backup tight end, who hadn't caught a pass in the past three games and only seven passes all season. On the other side, for the Broncos, were two likely Hall of Fame defensive backs in deep coverage. So who do you like? Troy Smith and Delanie Walker for the 49ers, or the Broncos' Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey? In the 49ers' 24-16 victory against the Broncos on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, it was the duo you would least expect that"
Bailey, Revis share island's corner room
October 13
Denver Post
 
"It can be a lonely place on the football field, eye to eye with some of the NFL's best athletes, the potential of a prime-time, did-you-see-that highlight always hanging over your head. "Basically when you mess up, everybody sees it, everybody knows it, because it's a touchdown," said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. "It's that island." Most personnel people in the NFL would rank the difficulty in finding a true "lockdown" cornerback, one with the ability to play the league's top wide receivers 1-on-1 despite the constraints of a pass-happy rule book, just behind locating a franchise quarterback or an elite left tackle for the offensive line. The combination of speed, strength and savvy,"
Broncos pull out of contract negotiations with Champ Bailey
October 8
Denver Post
 
"Just as a contract extension with star cornerback Champ Bailey was drawing near, the Broncos decided to pull out of negotiations. The move increases the likelihood that Bailey is playing in his final season with the Broncos. "I am disappointed, because I want to be here," Bailey said. "We know that, they know that. What's the issue here, really?" In the final season of a seven-year contract, Bailey, 32, can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Broncos and Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, were close to hashing out a four-year contract extension that would have kept the nine-time Pro Bowler with the team through 2014. Bailey said he wasn't crazy about the deal, but he"
Broncos' Bailey, Goodman miss practice, but still hopeful for Sunday
September 23
Denver Post
 
"If they were playing, say, the quarterback-challenged Chicago Bears of the late 1960s, Broncos cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman might be too gimpy to play Sunday. But nothing rushes the healing process of pass defenders like a game against Peyton Manning. Bailey (heel) and Goodman (thigh) will miss their second consecutive practice today. But all indications are they are getting pushed in the trainer's room and conditioning center in hopes they can play when the Broncos host Manning and the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High."
Champ Bailey on crutches, but hopes to play vs. Colts
September 20
Denver Post
 
"Ordinarily, Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is one of the first players out of the locker room after a game. He was the last player to leave Sunday. It's hard to hurry on crutches. Bailey left the Broncos' locker room leaning on two crutches, his right ankle lightly wrapped. "It happens," Bailey said. "I should be all right, though." The best hope is that it's just a bruise and Bailey will be able to play against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts next week. Bailey appeared to suffer the injury in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-14 victory against Seattle. Defensive line rotation. Ryan McBean may have started the game for the Broncos at right defensive end, but Kevin Vickerson"
Broncos, Bailey talking long-term contract
September 10
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos and Champ Bailey are deep into negotiations that would extend the perennial Pro Bowl cornerback's contract an additional four years. It continues the Broncos' trend of going against conventional wisdom by bringing financial certainty to an otherwise uncertain NFL labor situation. Despite the threat of a 2011 lockout, the team has already extended the contracts of restricted free agents Chris Kuper, Elvis Dumervil and Kyle Orton. And now the team is moving aggressively to lock up Bailey, who otherwise would be eligible to test the open market after this season. "With respect to the process between our organization and Jack Reale (Bailey's agent), we'd rather keep things"
Next up on the bargaining table: Champ Bailey
August 21
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos first took care of right guard Chris Kuper with a five-year contract extension worth $25.5 million in June. Then it was pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil getting a five-year extension for $58.332 million in July. And August brought a one-year, $8.8 million extension for quarterback Kyle Orton. That's $92.632 million worth of new contract value, although the Broncos did not spend $1 of new money on this year's budget. Kuper ($2.521 million), Dumervil ($3.168 million) and Orton ($2.621 million) will continue to play this season on relatively affordable salaries. They don't start making the really big bucks until next year. Will September bring a new deal for star cornerback Champ"
Don't let Bailey get away
August 15
Denver Post
 columnist Mike Klis
"The last time a young NFL star thought he should be paid like a superstar, Clinton Portis was traded to Washington and the Broncos wound up with Champ Bailey. I'm surprised Bailey hasn't come up as a possible solution to the Darrelle Revis fiasco too. Big contracts and elite cornerbacks make Bailey's Broncos and Revis' New York Jets logical trade partners. Bailey wants a new contract too. And like the Jets with Revis, the Broncos, who no doubt feel somewhat burned by Elvis Dumervil's injury, seemingly would rather wait. There have been preliminary discussions between the Broncos and Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, but nothing substantive. The difference is while Revis draws daily headlines"
Champ Bailey still on top of Broncos' salary pile
March 13
Denver Post
 
"It pays to be the Champ. As Champ Bailey's once-record, seven-year contract with the Broncos enters its final months, the left cornerback on Tuesday collected one more $3 million roster bonus. Running back Knowshon Moreno ($3.775 million), linebacker D.J. Williams ($3 million) and receiver Brandon Stokley ($500,000) were other Broncos players whose bonuses were exercised this week. Bailey's contract has held up through the test of time. Even though NFL salaries have soared since the Broncos negotiated the deal for their star cornerback after his trade from Washington in exchange for running back Clinton Portis before the 2004 season, Bailey will collect $13 million in salary ($9.5 million)"
Dawkins, Bailey are all-decade
January 28
Denver Post
 
"Two current Broncos have been named to the NFL's all-decade team for the 2000s. Cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Brian Dawkins are among the 15 players already named to the all-decade team, which is selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. The NFL has released only the portion of the team that includes active Pro Bowl players. The remainder of the all-decade team, including non-Pro Bowlers and retired players, will be announced during the telecast of the Pro Bowl on Sunday. Bailey has spent the past six of his 11 NFL seasons in Denver after starting his career with Washington. He made the Pro Bowl in nine of the 10 years in the decade, missing out only in 2008"
Broncos' Bailey eager for better years
January 5
Longmont Times-Call
 
"After six seasons in Denver, including five in which he was named to the Pro Bowl, cornerback Champ Bailey would love to return for a seventh year. "Oh yeah," he said. Whether or not he does return, well, not even he knows. "Nothing's definite," he said. "All I know is when it's time for me to work, I go work and I work hard. I do whatever I can to improve myself every yea,r and that's what I'm going to do this offseason, whether it's here or not." Bailey is under contract for next season, but his $9.5 million price tag could be too steep. On Monday, head coach Josh McDaniels said he expects Bailey back. "He's been a Bronco for awhile, and I'd love to have him be a Bronco as long as I'm"
Champ reflects on deal that seems long ago
November 14
Denver Post
 
"For many players, five seasons is an NFL lifetime. For Champ Bailey, he has now surpassed that in his second NFL life, here in Denver. On Sunday, when the Broncos play at the Washington Redskins, Bailey will revisit his former life for the first time since the megatrade 5 1/2 years ago that ended with Bailey (and a second-round draft pick) here and star running back Clinton Portis in Washington. "It seems like a long time ago, honestly," Bailey said this week. "I've spent more time here than I spent there." Bailey was 25 years old when he became a Bronco on March 4, 2004, and he has been in Denver long enough, and seen so much change at Dove Valley, that now, at age 31, he is the"
Bailey back in town with Broncos
November 12
Washington Times
 
"Perhaps the best player the Washington Redskins have employed in the past seven seasons will start Sunday at FedEx Field. For the visitors. Champ Bailey returns to town with the Denver Broncos. "It will be a little different coming out of the visitors' locker room and going onto that field," Bailey said. "I had a lot of special moments there." Bailey, whose eight Pro Bowl berths are tied for second among cornerbacks, helped Washington win its only NFC East title of the past 17 years as a rookie in 1999. The next year, he began his run of postseason trips to Hawaii. But when talks on a new contract broke off during the 2003 season, Bailey was on his way to being traded with a second-round"
Champ Bailey has utmost respect for Randy Moss, Tom Brady
October 8
Boston Herald
 
"Who needs a film room to diagnose the Patriots offense when you have Champ Bailey to give you the lowdown? Think Tom Brady isn't all the way back from his knee surgery? The Broncos Pro Bowl corner says the quarterback is closing in on 100 percent. Think Randy Moss lollygags? Bailey says you're crazy. Bailey, one of the best corners ever to play the game, provided many interesting insights and observations during his session with the local media yesterday. None was more fascinating than what he had to say about Moss, who he has been battling the past decade and beyond. The 31-year-old defender is looking forward to another knockdown, drag-out affair Sunday with No. 81, who did not practice"
Broncos' Bailey welcomes attention of early season success
October 7
Denver Post
 
"It is often difficult for Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey to practice patience on game day. He often runs one sprint after another, following receivers who don't see the ball because an eight-time Pro Bowl selection is next to them. But Bailey is hoping, after Sunday's victory over Dallas, that things may change. "I would love that, really look forward to it," Bailey said. "Things could be different." Sunday, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo challenged Bailey in 1-on-1 coverage more than any quarterback Bailey recalls during his time with the Broncos. Romo even threw Bailey's way on back-to-back plays to close out the game. Bailey knocked away the passes, both intended for Sam Hurd, as the"
Cowboys' QB Romo miscalculates regarding Broncos' Champ Bailey
October 5
Denver Post
 
"Sometimes, it can get boring being Champ Bailey. Because he had 43 interceptions heading into Sunday's game and a knack for making open-field tackles, opposing quarterbacks usually look the other way. Not Tony Romo. Maybe Romo thought Bailey, now 31, was a step slower than he used to be, or he thought Bailey couldn't catch like he used to, because Bailey had not picked off a pass since the second game of last season. Give Romo credit for his confidence, but in this case, Romo was wrong. On the final two plays of Sunday's game, on third and fourth down from Denver's 2-yard line, Romo fired passes intended for receiver Sam Hurd. Both times, Bailey was there to swat the ball to the ground."
Bailey stays silent about injury status
August 1
Denver Post
 
"See Champ run - at least some early-morning sprints anyway. See Champ walk - to the weight room. But folks who attended Broncos' training camp Friday did not see the eight-time Pro Bowl selection practice with the team. Bailey begins the team's preseason work on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, along with safety Renaldo Hill and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. The list is a designation for players who cannot participate at the start of a team's training camp. Bailey had offseason elbow surgery and had suffered a torn groin muscle that kept him out of seven games last season, but Broncos coach Josh McDaniels refused to say whether Bailey was being held out of practice because of"
Super Bowl would cap off Bailey's career
July 26
Denver Post
 
"Champ Bailey is going on decade No. 2 in the NFL. In Bailey's first 10 seasons, 15 different teams have played in the Super Bowl. None of whom have been any of Bailey's teams. "The older I get, the more it bothers me," Bailey said. After five seasons with the Redskins and now in his sixth season with the Broncos, Bailey has become recognized as one of the league's top defensive backs despite his absence from the league's greatest stage. Bailey had a streak of eight consecutive Pro Bowl seasons snapped last year because of a groin injury suffered in Game 7 against Josh McDaniels' Patriots. Does coming off his injury-plagued, non-Pro Bowl season heighten Bailey's anticipation for 2009?"
Denver Broncos Champ Bailey offers thoughts on Jay Cutler
July 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Marc Silverman and Jeff Dickerson from ESPN 1000 radio Chicago interviewed Denver Broncos defensive back Champ Bailey on the Waddle & Silvy show Monday. Bailey was asked where he thought new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler ranked among the top quarterbacks in the league. ``Well he's definitely in the top 10 as far as what he's done to this point,'' Bailey said. ``Now where he can be, he can be the best in the game, he has that ability. The guys very smart, very sharp, a good arm; he has all the stuff you'd want. He reminds me of a Marino, Elway type of guy, and he's going to be a great winner for them. It's unfortunate for us that we had to lose a guy like that, but we've got to move on,"
Champ eyes changes on defense
March 24
Denver Post
 
"There's a new, 3-inch scar on Champ Bailey's left elbow. Consider it just another reminder, albeit a tangible one, of the painful 2008 season. Bailey underwent surgery Jan. 8 to repair the elbow - injured in the season finale against San Diego - and said late last week he is about a month away from being fully recovered. He only hopes the defense can be so easily repaired. "We've got to know what we're good at and what we're best at," Bailey said. "That's been a distant thing around here the last two or three years." Bailey, who turns 31 in June, is coming off the worst statistical season of his career after missing seven games with a torn groin. Bailey said he likes at least some of the"
Bailey led team amid pain
December 22
Denver Post
 
"Champ Bailey walked slowly through the Broncos' nearly silent locker room after Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills, his sore right groin muscle wrapped in layers of protective bandages. He shook his head frequently, spoke softly and admitted he wasn't yet feeling 100 percent, yet his ability to speak as a participant and not as an injured observer provided a little good news for a team reeling from back- to-back losses. "To have our best player back, it was exciting to the team," right cornerback Dre Bly said. With only one chance left to clinch the AFC West and earn a spot in the playoffs, the Broncos can find solace in knowing their best defensive player will be around when they"
Bailey 'better,' wants to play
December 19
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Barring a late setback, Champ Bailey finally might be ready to return to the Broncos lineup after a seven-game absence because of a severe groin injury. The eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback still is listed as a limited participant in practice. But Bailey said Thursday he was able to do more at practice the past few days than he had done the past several weeks and was planning on increasing his workload further today. "I feel better than I did last week, so there's a very good chance I'll be out there as long as everything goes smoothly this week and I keep improving," he said. Bailey was hurt in the Oct. 20 game at New England while backpedaling in zone coverage. He's explained previously"