When it comes to retiring numbers, the Broncos and Pat Bowlen believe it takes an enormous amount to retire one. I believe Champ Bailey’s should be next.
There is no doubt that Champ Bailey has done a lot for the Denver Broncos organization. I can make an argument that he was the best player in Broncos history to wear the number 24.
How has Bailey’s number not hanging up in the rafter’s right now?
Broncos Country nearly started a riot when it was rumored that new free agent acquisition Tramaine Brock was looking to wear 24. Okay, maybe not a riot, but Broncos Twitter was buzzing.
It appeared as if Brock heard the fans and decided to go with Aqib Talib’s 21 for this season. That in itself is a bit of a shame that they did not at least let the number sit for a while. But that is just me.
Back to Champ Bailey and the number 24, I honestly believe it is time for the Broncos to retire that number. I understand that Pat Bowlen and the Denver Broncos organization believe that the player needs to have done something tremendous amount to the team. According to Pat Bowlen back in 2005, he believes Elway set the standard for retired Broncos jersey’s.
While I can agree with him on all points, I believe the Broncos should make room for one more. Seeing what Champ Bailey did in a Denver Broncos jersey was so amazing. Just his numbers alone speak for themselves.
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It is also odd that not a single player has worn the number 24 since Bailey was let go by the Broncos. Bradley Roby wanted to wear the number when he came into the league. However, John Elway refused to give the number to him.
Does John Elway have plans for the number? I could see them retiring it once Champ Bailey enters the Hall of Fame. He will be eligible for it beginning in 2019. So, perhaps a retirement ceremony will follow. Hopefully that will be the case.