Denver Broncos: 30 greatest players of all time
player. 45. . CB. (2004-13). Champ Bailey. 5
Before there was the No Fly Zone, there was only Champ Bailey.
But when it comes to it, that was pretty much all the Denver Broncos needed in the secondary.
Bailey became a Bronco when he was traded from the Washington Redskins in 2004. Dare I say that Bailey could be the second-best trade acquisition that the Broncos received.
Of course, John Elway tops that list — no questions asked.
As a corner, it was very difficult for teams to get anything past him. Even Tom Brady had difficulties when he threw towards Bailey.
A memory that sticks out to Broncos Country was the famous 100-yard interception return on Brady. If not for Benjamin Watson, Bailey would have scored. It remains the longest non-scoring interception return in NFL history. The play ultimately turned the tide and gave the Broncos their first playoff win in the post-Elway era.
Opposing quarterbacks did not even attempt to throw it his way in his prime. It is a shame that he never got to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in his career. But there is no doubt that he became an important player in Broncos history.
Hopefully, he is rewarded by enshrinement in the Broncos Ring of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
– TW