Champ Bailey Bio (Cont) – College years and NFL Draft

College Career (Champ Bailey Bio)
While at the University of Georgia, Champ had a very promising career. In the three years that he spent at college, he played a total of 33 games. His first two years were alongside his older brother Ronald Bailey and his last year with his younger brother Boss.

As a freshman in 1996, Champ played mostly on special teams and as a defensive back. It was in 1997 that began making his name as a shut down cornerback. He intercepted several passes and returned one for a touchdown that year. The same year the Bulldogs finished 9-2, much better than their 5-6 record the previous year.

 
In 97, Champ Bailey played alongside Hines Ward, Olandis Gary, Robert Edwards (who later rushed 1,100 yards for the patriots before blowing out his knee) and lineman Matt Stinchcomb (Lead the nation as blocker in college, later nicknamed stinkbomb when playing for the raiders). The Bulldogs had great showing in the Outback Bowl, winning against Wisconsin 33-6. QB Mike Bobo completed 26 of 28 passes leading the team to their 10th win for the season. Their 10-2 record was the best the team had seen since 1992.

Allot of the stars from the 97’ season graduated and Coach Donnan was facing a challenging season. Donnan put freshman Quincy Carter at starting quarterback position. Carter and Bailey worked well connecting with quick screen passes that Champ took advantage of by following the tight end down the field.

Defensively, Champ played very well and was credited for being able to play both sides of the ball, which was becoming less and less common in college football. Champ Bailey was voted first-team all-Sec and an All-American for the year. This was for good reason; Bailey had 47 catches and 5 touchdowns on offense, not to mention his 3 interceptions on defense.

Champ also had three 100 yard receiving games against Wyoming, Vanderbilt and LSU. Bailey performed very well in the Peach Bowl, his three receptions totaled 73 yards and one touchdown. But his offensive accomplishments aren’t the only thing that stood out; he was also named defensive MVP.

Bailey NFL Draft

College football analysts labeled Bailey “NFL Caliber” and Champ agreed throwing his hat into the 1999 draft. As mentioned in our previous article, ESPN offered to fly Champ Bailey out to New York City and attend the NFL draft live, all expenses paid. Instead, Bailey wanted to experience the draft with his friends, family and hometown. He watched the draft from Folkston, Georgia, where the whole town watched in anticipation. In 1999, Champ Bailey was drafted by the Washington Redskins. Bailey obtained a five year, $12 million contract, heading out in the right direction, playing cornerback and being extremely successful at it.

 In 2004, Bailey moved to the Denver Broncos, where he continues to play presently. Champ Bailey has been quite successful, adding a string of achievements as well to his career.  As a professional athlete, Champ Bailey has earned the reputation of being extremely consistent, a feat that is tough to achieve. In fact, the kind of honors that he has to his name is difficult to match by others, and continue to be essentially something that many athletes aspire to be.

In the meanwhile, one can say that Champ Bailey is a valuable asset to the Denver Broncos and has contributed significantly to their success. In fact, the kind of records that Bailey has set for this team and difficult to match by any measure.