Champ Bailey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Champ Bailey

Bailey with the Denver Broncos in 2010
No. 24
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1978-06-22) June 22, 1978 (age 47) Fort Campbell, Kentucky, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	192 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school:	Charlton County (Folkston, Georgia)
College:	Georgia (1996–1998)
NFL Draft:	1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7
Career history
Washington Redskins (1999) Denver Broncos (2004) New Orleans Saints (2014)*
Career highlights and awards
3× First-team All-Pro (2004–2006) 4× Second-team All-Pro (2000, 2003, 2007, 2012) 12× Pro Bowl (2000–2007, 2009–2012) NFL interceptions leader (2006) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team PFWA All-Rookie Team (1999) Washington Commanders 90 Greatest Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Bronko Nagurski Trophy (1998) Consensus All-American (1998) 2× First-team All-SEC (1997, 1998) NFL record Most pass deflections: 203
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 931 Interceptions: 52 Interception yards: 464 Pass deflections: 203 Forced fumbles: 7 Fumble recoveries: 6 Sacks: 3 Total touchdowns: 5
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

Roland "Champ" Bailey Jr. (born June 22, 1978) is a former professional football player. He was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. There, he was named an All-American. The Washington Redskins selected him in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft.

In 2004, Bailey joined the Denver Broncos, playing for ten seasons. He was released in early 2014 after the Broncos lost Super Bowl XLVIII. Bailey then signed with the New Orleans Saints but was released before the season began. In October 2014, he announced his retirement after 15 seasons. He was chosen for 12 Pro Bowls, which is the most for any cornerback. He holds the NFL record for most passes defended, with 203. In 2019, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Many consider Bailey one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history.

Early Life and Family

Roland Bailey was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He grew up in Folkston, Georgia. His mother, Elaine Bailey, gave him the nickname "Champ" when he was a baby. He has been called Champ ever since.

In high school, he was a three-sport athlete. He played football, basketball, and ran track at Charlton County High School. He has two brothers, Ronald and Rodney. Both also played football at Charlton County and the University of Georgia. His younger brother, Rodney, is also known by his nickname, Boss Bailey. Boss played linebacker in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and later joined Champ on the Denver Broncos.

At Charlton County High School, Bailey was amazing on offense. He rushed for 3,573 yards and scored 58 touchdowns. He also passed for 1,211 yards. On defense, he had eight interceptions. He still holds school records for rushing yards in a season (1,858) and touchdowns in a season (28).

College Football Career

Bailey earned a scholarship to play for the Georgia Bulldogs football team. He played there from 1996 to 1998. He was known as a versatile player, excelling on offense, defense, and special teams. In his final year, he had 52 tackles and three interceptions on defense. On offense, he caught 47 passes for 744 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned kicks and punts.

He earned top honors, including All-American and All-Southeastern Conference selections. He also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's best defensive player. In three years at Georgia, he played 33 games. He recorded 147 tackles, eight interceptions, and 27 passes defended.

Track and Field Achievements

Champ Bailey was also a talented track and field athlete at Georgia. He ran short-distance races like the 55 and 60 meters. He also competed in long jump and triple jump. In 1998, he set a school indoor long jump record of 7.89 meters (25 ft 11 in).

Professional Football Career

Playing for the Washington Redskins (1999–2003)

The Washington Redskins drafted Bailey as the seventh overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. He was the first player drafted from his hometown of Folkston, Georgia. He signed a five-year contract worth $9.64 million.

In his first game in September 1999, he made six tackles and had his first career interception. On October 17, 1999, he had an amazing game. He recorded three interceptions and scored his first career touchdown by returning one 59 yards. He started all 16 games in his rookie season. He finished with 80 tackles, 15 pass deflections, and five interceptions. The Redskins made the playoffs that year, and Bailey had an interception in his first playoff game.

Bailey continued to be a key player for the Redskins. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2000. He earned Pro Bowl selections for four straight years (2000-2003). He consistently had many tackles and pass deflections. In 2002, he set a career-high with 24 pass deflections.

Joining the Denver Broncos (2004–2013)

In March 2004, the Denver Broncos traded running back Clinton Portis to the Redskins for Champ Bailey. The Broncos immediately signed Bailey to a seven-year, $63 million contract. This was the largest contract for a cornerback at the time.

Bailey wearing a Denver Broncos throwback uniform in 2009

Bailey quickly became a star for the Broncos. In 2005, he scored two touchdowns from interceptions. He also set a career-high with eight interceptions that season. In a playoff game against the New England Patriots, he made a famous 100-yard interception return. Although he didn't score, it was a huge play that helped the Broncos win.

In 2006, Bailey had an incredible season. He led the NFL with 10 interceptions, which was a new career-high for him. He was a unanimous choice for the NFL All-Pro team and finished second in voting for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

He continued to be a top player, even through injuries. In 2008, he missed seven games due to a torn groin muscle. However, he bounced back. In 2009, he did not allow a single touchdown when passes were thrown his way. He was chosen for the Broncos 50th Anniversary team.

In 2010, Bailey was selected for his record-breaking 10th Pro Bowl. No other cornerback in NFL history had been to more. He was re-signed by the Broncos in 2011. In 2012, he was named an All-Pro for the eighth time and selected to his 12th Pro Bowl. This extended his record for cornerbacks and tied the overall record for most Pro Bowls played. He recorded his 52nd and final career interception in December 2012.

In 2013, Bailey dealt with a foot injury and played in only five games. However, he returned for the playoffs. He played in his first Super Bowl XLVIII with the Broncos, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks. On March 6, 2014, the Denver Broncos released Bailey.

Brief Time with the New Orleans Saints (2014)

On April 4, 2014, Champ Bailey signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. However, he was released by the team before the regular season began on August 30, 2014.

Retirement and Hall of Fame

Champ Bailey announced his retirement from professional football on October 18, 2014. To make it official, he signed a one-day contract with Denver on November 14, 2014, so he could retire as a Bronco.

On February 2, 2019, Bailey was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He was officially honored on August 3, 2019.

Personal Life

Champ Bailey married his wife, Jessica, in 2014. In 2019, he was inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Postseason Stats

NFL Records Held by Champ Bailey

• Most Pro Bowl selections for a defensive back (12)
• Most passes defended (203)
• Longest interception return in a postseason game without scoring (100 yards) (vs New England Patriots, January 14, 2006)
• Youngest player to intercept 3 passes in a game (21 years old) (at Arizona Cardinals, October 17, 1999)

Pro Bowl Records Held by Champ Bailey

• Most career interceptions in Pro Bowl (4)