Although a few teams still thought he could be an asset, Champ Bailey has decided to retire from the NFL after fourteen years.
The 36-year-old corner back, who starred for the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos throughout the 2000s, had received some recent interest from a few NFL teams in need of secondary help. However, he ultimately decided to begin the countdown to a certain Hall-of-Fame induction in five years.
Bailey made twelve consecutive pro bowls from 2000 to 2012 and was a seven-time NFL All-Pro selection, achievements which landed him on the NFL All-Decade team for the 2000s. Before his final, injury-plagued season in 2013, he was one of the NFL’s most durable, consistent play-makers. After being cut by Denver, Bailey briefly signed with the New Orleans Saints, but was released before the regular season began. According to his agent, Bailey decided against signing with a team for the rest of this season, opting instead to pursue “another career path.”
Whether that path is in broadcasting, coaching, or elsewhere remains to be seen. Regardless, Bailey’s playing career will rank as one of the greatest of all time.
