One of the most respected defensive players in NFL today would have to be Champ Bailey. Often considered to be amongst the best (if not the best) NFL cornerbacks in the country. As a Top cornerback in the NFL, he always puts forth a solid effort and is known for his work ethic and leadership in the locker room. There is a lot to this professional football player that people don’t know about. Since his younger years, he has always shown potential as a top player and his brothers were right beside him. Knowing a little about his upbringing might help in understanding more about the person that he is and how he got to where he is now.
Champs Bio (cont.)
Boss, Champ and Ron
Many Broncos fans have heard of Champ and Boss, one of the few brother combos to play for the Denver Broncos. The last time two brothers played on the same side of the ball for the Broncos was back in 92′ with Doug and Dave Widell. The Bailey brothers’ story is similar to the Manning story with Eli and Peyton. The Bailey brother’s include three members too, although in both situations their oldest brothers career was cut short due to a injuries. The older Bailey brother, Ron, was a 2 year starting cornerback at the University of Georgia (same college that all Bailey brothers played at). He also played for NFL Europe representing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately Ron’s career ended with a serious foot injury. Ron Bailey has been given credit by both Boss and Champ for his dedication and strong work ethic, Champ has explained several times about how Ron’s guidance has been very influential to his own success, Ron set the tone for the rest of the family. Elaine Bailey (Mom) explained that Ron always talked about getting to the “next level”, whether it was sports, education or career, which she said inspired Champ and Boss to achieve. The three brothers are well respected in Folkston, Georgie, their hometown, of course by playing great football, but were also considered good students. Boss and Champ visit their hometown frequently, sometimes hosting meals for the entire town, sometimes around the holidays or other special events. To give you an idea of Champs loyalty to home and family, when he put his name in for the NFL draft, ESPN offered him a free plane ticket and hotel in New York City, instead Champ chose to go home and watch the NFL draft with his family and home town on T.V. Another very close member of the family is Danielle Bailey, Champs sister. She lives in Stockton, GA and organizes the Bailey football camp. The parents of this distinguished group is Roland and Elaine Bailey, who are split up, but still stay very close to their children and are responsible for raising these fine individuals.
High School career
Champ Bailey’s attended Chalton County High, located in his hometown Folkston, Georgia (a 3 stop light town). He played football, basketball (no problem dunking), and track (Georgia’s high jump champion in 94′). While playing football, he displayed immense potential on the field according to coaches and locals, playing quarterback and free safety. In his senior year, coach moved him to tailback and his QB was none other, than his own brother Boss. Playing in the backfield on offense, Champ accumulated over 1,800 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. Keep in mind; he accomplished those stats over a 12 game season. Hence, it is understandable that colleges all over the country wanted to get him onboard for their own team. But, in the end, Bailey decided to go with with his older brother Ron at University of Georgia.