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Champ Bailey Elected to Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

By Shelby Manning

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos waits for his name to be called during player introductions before a home game against the New England Patriots on December 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Marc Piscotty/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos waits for his name to be called during player introductions before a home game against the New England Patriots on December 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Marc Piscotty/Getty Images) /
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Broncos elite shutdown corner Champ Bailey has finally been chosen for the highest Denver Broncos honor– the Ring of Fame.

2019 is set to be a good year for Champ Bailey.

With today’s news that Champ Bailey has been elected to the Broncos Ring of Fame, the former corner is probably pretty excited for what 2019 will bring; Champ Bailey also earned a first ballot trip to Canton as a Hall of Famer this year. Bailey will be the 33rd Bronco to receive this honor.

For Broncos Country, this is absolutely elating news. On top of Pat Bowlen’s Hall of Fame induction along with Champ’s, there is much to celebrate in the Mile High City this year. 2019 has been full of Champ getting the love and recognition he so deserves, the recognition that many outside of Denver have failed to give him due to never earning a Super Bowl ring.

However, facts don’t lie, and facts have proven time and time again that Champ Bailey is one of the greatest corners of all time. He capped his career with 215 games played, 142 broken up passes and 52 interceptions. However, it wasn’t Champ Bailey’s stats that were the most impressive thing about him.

It was his instincts.

Quarterbacks knew where he was on the field at all times, and many were afraid to throw in his direction. His awareness was matched by very few others, which was why Broncos Country loved Aqib Talib so much– he displayed the same awareness.

Champ Bailey has always been a favorite in Denver, which was perhaps the most devastating factor in the Super Bowl 48 massacre; many knew it was Champ’s last ride and when the clock expired in New York, so did Champ’s last opportunity to win a Super Bowl with the Broncos. He was cut in the offseason, spreading mass anger and sadness through the franchise. Once he did not make the 53 man roster in New Orleans, he returned to Denver and signed a one-day deal, retiring a Bronco.

Next. Broncos 2019 Opponent Preview: Oakland Raiders. dark

Once Champ hung up his helmet, we knew his legacy had been sealed and that he had went out as one of the best the game has ever known.

Champ Bailey gave Broncos Country so many reasons to smile through some tough seasons, and highlights that we will remember and cherish forever.

I bet Tom Brady would agree with the last part.

Congrats to you, Champ.

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