Champ Bailey hanging up his cleats; Broncos to honor him, agent says

Cornerback Champ Bailey is retiring from the NFL, his agent told the Los Angeles Times. Despite his age (36) and susceptibility to injury, teams were still interested in the 12-time Pro Bowl selection, his agent said.

Oct. 28, 2014 4:18 PM PT

Considered by many fans and sports analysts to be one of the best cornerbacks ever to play the game, Champ Bailey on Tuesday announced his retirement from the NFL.

A 12-time Pro Bowl selection, Bailey spent most of his 15-season career with the Denver Broncos.

But, after being released by the Broncos at the end of last season and being cut by the New Orleans Saints this season due to a foot injury, Bailey decided it was time to move on, Jack Reale, his agent, told the Los Angeles Times.

“It’s never an easy decision,” Reale said. “He thought, ‘I don’t want to be rented out in someone else’s uniform for the rest of the season,’” Reale said.

The Broncos are expected to announce plans for a celebration in honor of Bailey, which may include a one-day contract so he can officially retire in Denver, Reale said.

“Congrats to Champ Bailey on his HOF career! Our team & community were very fortunate to have a player & person like Champ. Thanks, No. 24!!,” John Elway, general manager of the Broncos, tweeted on his verified account.

Bailey was traded to Denver by Washington in 2004 for running back Clinton Portis. The Redskins also received a second-round draft pick.

For all his accomplishments on and off the field, the one Bailey (and fans) wanted the most was a Super Bowl ring. But he never got one.

It seemed like it was finally going to happen last season in Super Bowl XLVIII, but, no. The Seattle Seahawks decimated Denver, 43-8.

And yet, despite his age (36) and increased susceptibility to injury, Bailey is still a sought-after player, Reale said.

“I have gotten calls from three different teams in the last 36 hours about him,” he said.

But Bailey has undisclosed offers in the works for his post-football career, Reale said. Those offers were on the table before he tried out for the Saints, but Bailey had to make sure it was time to hang up his cleats for good.

“He’s ready,” Reale said.

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