#24: Champ Bailey, Cornerback
#7 | Champ Bailey is the best 7th overall pick of all-time.
Fact: Bailey was an All-SEC first-team selection as a sophomore. pic.twitter.com/uS1cZLJNg5— Talking Ball (@Talking_BallYT) April 20, 2017
A first round pick for the Washington Redskins, Champ Bailey enjoyed a fine career as a member of the Redskins and the Broncos. Bailey was a first round pick by the Redskins in 1999, and was sent to the Broncos in exchange for running back Clinton Portis.
Bailey notched 52 career interceptions, including a stellar 2006 campaign that saw him intercept 10 passes. He was a Pro Bowler in 12 of his 15 seasons in the league, the most ever by a cornerback. Bailey is also the youngest player in NFL history to intercept three passes in one game. In 2009, Bailey didn’t allow a single touchdown pass thrown his way for the entire season. Champ also holds a record to be forgotten. On January 14, 2006 in the AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots, Bailey intercepted a Tom Brady pass in the end zone, but ran out of gas on the return and was tackled from behind. The return was for 100 yards and is officially the longest interception return without scoring a touchdown.
Looking back, safe to say that Clinton Portis/Champ Bailey trade worked out just fine. @NickFerguson_25 @champbailey #Broncos pic.twitter.com/Ar3BBDqqhQ
— Cameron Parker (@CameronParkerPO) February 4, 2017
Although the New Orleans Saints signed Bailey following the 2013 season, he didn’t make the final roster and retired from the game as the best player to wear number 24. Bailey retired a member of the Denver Broncos and was named to their 50th anniversary team. He technically retired in 2014 and will be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame in 2019 when he is eligible.
Honorable Mention: Willie Brown
