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Denver Broncos: 7 players from the past that would improve 2020 team

By Graham Tiedtke

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Champ Bailey
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) /

Champ Bailey, cornerback

Champ Bailey was the best cornerback in the NFL during his time in the league. In fact, he is right up there with the best of the best to ever play in the league.

Ever.

After five seasons in Washington, playing for the Redskins, Champ Bailey was traded to the Denver Broncos for running back Clinton Portis. The Broncos also received a second-round pick in the trade.

Bailey recorded 142 pass breakups in his entire career. 102 of those pass breakups came as a member of the Denver Broncos.

Bailey was known for shutting down opposing top receivers. Some of his career accomplishments include:

  • 12 Pro Bowl selections
  • Returning the longest interception for a touchdown in playoff history…Without going all the way for a touchdown…ouch. (102 yards)
  • Youngest player to intercept an opposing quarterback three times in a single game.
  • Four interceptions in the Pro Bowl

Bailey also finished his career with 908 tackles and 52 interceptions.

The Denver Broncos lost Chris Harris Jr. in free agency this offseason after he signed with the Chargers. They are currently left with Bryce Callahan and A.J. Bouye as the starters at the position. Callahan was signed last year but missed the season with an injury. Bouye was acquired via a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bailey had so much success during his career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

— Graham Tiedtke

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