Boss Bailey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Boss Bailey

Bailey with the Denver Broncos in 2008
No. 97
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1979-10-14) October 14, 1979 (age 45) Folkston, Georgia, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High school:	Charlton County (Folkston, Georgia)
College:	Georgia
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34
Career history
Detroit Lions (2003–2007) Denver Broncos (2008–2009)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-American (2002) First-team All-SEC (2002) Second-team All-SEC (2001)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 305 Sacks: 7.0 Forced fumbles: 2 Fumble recoveries: 2 Interceptions: 2 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

Rodney "Boss" Bailey, born on October 14, 1979, is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). The Detroit Lions picked him in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia. He is also the brother of Champ Bailey, a famous NFL cornerback.

Early Life and High School Football

Boss Bailey was born in Folkston, Georgia. He went to Charlton County High School in Folkston. While there, he was recognized as an "All-America" player by USA Today. This means he was one of the best high school football players in the country.

College Football Career

Bailey played college football for the University of Georgia. He was a starting player for three years. In his final year, 2002, he was named a first-team All-SEC player. This means he was one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference. He was also considered for two major awards: the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award. These awards go to outstanding college football players.

Playing in the NFL

Boss Bailey played in 58 games during his NFL career. He started 51 of those games. He made 265 tackles, which is when a player brings down an opponent. He also had seven sacks, which means he tackled the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He also caught two interceptions, which is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player.

Time with the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions drafted Boss Bailey in 2003. He quickly became a strong player for them. In his first year, he made 88 tackles, which was his career high. He was even named an "All-Rookie" player by ESPN.com and Football Digest. This means he was one of the best new players in the league.

In 2004, he missed the season because of a knee injury. But he came back strong in 2005. He played in 11 games and made 58 tackles. He also had one interception, which he returned 34 yards for a touchdown. A touchdown is worth six points in football.

In 2006, Bailey played in all 16 games for the Lions. He made 67 tackles that year. In 2007, he had his best year for sacks, getting 3.5 sacks. He also made 51 tackles and forced one fumble. A forced fumble is when a defensive player knocks the ball out of an offensive player's hands.

Moving to the Denver Broncos

In 2008, Boss Bailey signed a contract with the Denver Broncos. He played six games for them that year, making 40 tackles. He was released from the team in June 2009.

NFL Career Stats

More Information

• Player stats at ESPN.com