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Posts Tagged ‘Champ Bailey’

From Emulating Bailey to Learning From Bailey

June 1st, 2013 - 8:39am by Stuart ZaasOther posts by

When rookie cornerback Kayvon Webster took the practice field at the University of South Florida, he proclaimed to everybody around that Champ Bailey had arrived.

That is a habit he has dropped in Denver because, well, Champ Bailey has been here since 2004 – longer than anyone else on the club.

Bailey understands where Webster is coming from because he was in a similar position when he began his NFL career with the Washington Redskins.

“I know how it is,” Bailey said. “Because when I got to Washington, I had Darrell Green. I imitated him and then in my second year, I had Deion Sanders and I imitated him. So, we all imitate guys we look up to. He’s just in a fortunate situation where he has a chance to work with me like I did with those guys. You don’t get those opportunities a lot as a young player.”

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 36 Comments »

Moore’s Mentality: ‘Let’s Go Try Again’

April 16th, 2013 - 2:00pm by Andrew MasonOther posts by

Advanced statistical metrics aren’t kind to every player. But they revealed little but raves for safety Rahim Moore’s performance in 2012, which saw arguably more improvement than anyone else on the Denver roster.

But the nature of his position — and of playoff football — is that an entire season of outstanding play can be overshadowed by one gaffe at the worst possible moment. That’s why the perception of Moore is defined by a misplay on a deep pass from Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones, and not on a season’s worth of steadiness and growth.

If fans stew over such an error, it’s one thing. That can be harmless, as long as the player ignores the chatter. What matters is whether Moore gets over it and re-focuses on what’s next — and according to Champ Bailey, he already has.

“Let’s go try again, that’s pretty much his mentality,” Bailey said Monday. “I don’t think it affected him as much as people think. Because he got so much better last year. I can’t wait to see him improve this year.”

Few understand how much one play can affect perception than Bailey. He has been so stellar as a cover cornerback for so many years that when he allows a touchdown — as he did when beaten deep by the Ravens in the first half of January’s playoff loss — it’s as much of a shock to the system as stepping into 9-degree chill without wearing a shirt.

Bailey understands that it’s the exception, rather than the rule, that everyone remembers. That’s convenient, but it doesn’t tell an accurate picture.

“People want to talk about one play — like I said, even with myself, you can’t define somebody off one play,” Bailey said.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 65 Comments »

Bailey and Clady Award High School Equipment Grants

March 27th, 2013 - 12:59pm by Stuart ZaasOther posts by

After being named to the USA Football’s All-Fundamentals team earlier in the offseason, a pair of Broncos will be able to use the honor to help young football players.

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey and offensive tackle Ryan Clady will each donate a $1,500 equipment grant to a high school football program through USA Football, the official youth football development partner of the Broncos and the NFL.

Bailey will award his grant to Denver North High School.

“The USA Football equipment grant will allow Denver North High School to replace shoulder pads that are over 10 years old,” Denver North High School Athletics Director Kevin Bendjy said. “The generosity of USA Football will now allow 26 of our scholar-athletes to wear the most up-to-date equipment, which we anticipate will improve performance and safety.”

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Posted in Community Development | 418 Comments »

Bailey to be Honored at Peach of an Athlete Role Model Banquet

March 5th, 2013 - 10:40am by Stuart ZaasOther posts by

Cornerback Champ Bailey has been named as the 2013 Professional Honoree by the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his off-the field accomplishments.

The Professional Award is presented annually to a well-known, successful professional athlete who exemplifies qualities of responsible citizenship and outstanding character.

The Peach of an Athlete banquet recognizes amateur and professional athletes who live their lives with the same values as Scouting. The awards dinner honors 12 collegiate athletes, a professional athlete, and a community leader.

The 29th annual Peach of an Athlete Role Model Banquet will be held on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. ET at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 68 Comments »

AP All-Pro Team Features Four Broncos

January 12th, 2013 - 11:09am by Sam DavisOther posts by

The Associated Press has announced its 2012 NFL All-Pro team, and it features four Broncos — two on each side of the ball.

Quarterback Peyton Manning, tackle Ryan Clady and linebacker Von Miller earned first-team honors, while cornerback Champ Bailey made the second team.

Manning and Miller garnered their third All-Pro nominations of the year after being selected by Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Writers of America earlier in the week. Manning broke franchise records in nearly every single-season passing category during his first year as a Bronco. Miller became the club’s single-season sack king in Week 16, finishing with 18.5 sacks on the year.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 34 Comments »

Clady, Bailey Recognized by USA Football

January 7th, 2013 - 10:07am by Tyler EverettOther posts by

In addition to being named 2013 Pro Bowlers, tackle Ryan Clady and cornerback Champ Bailey have also been named to the 2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team.

Bailey and Clady are two of 26 players, including 11 apiece on offense and defense and four on special teams, who were named to the team for exhibiting exemplary technique that young can players can emulate.

This year’s team is the fourth annual group honored for using proper form and technique, particularly when blocking and tackling.

According to USA Football, “Bailey’s proper footwork helps him be one of the best pass defenders in the NFL. By remaining balanced as wide receivers come in and out of cuts, Bailey remains in position to play the ball in the air and either knock down the throw or come up with an interception.”

USA Football recognized Clady for his “hand placement with his elbows in to control defenders while not holding. His ability to handle pass rushers one-on-one allows his linemates to focus double teams elsewhere and keep the quarterback safe in the pocket.”

As part of the recognition, Clady and Bailey, as well as each of the other 24 players on the team, will receive a $1,500 equipment grant that they can donate to the youth or high school football program of their choice.

Both Clady and Bailey are also still eligible to receive an All-Fundamentals Team helmet trophy and an additional $1,500 to donate if they are named a team captain. Captains will be decided by a fan vote at facebook.com/usafootball. Fans will vote for three captains, one each for offense, defense and special teams, with voting open until Jan. 21.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 50 Comments »

Gameday Spotlights Champ Bailey

November 17th, 2012 - 1:48pm by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

When the Broncos take on the San Diego Chargers this Sunday, fans in attendance at Sports Authority Field at Mile High will receive a Gameday program featuring cornerback Champ Bailey on the cover.

The cover story, titled “Still the Standard,” looks at Bailey’s decade-plus of dominance in the NFL, beginning with his first game in the league.

Every Hall-of-Fame career has to start somewhere.

It just so happened cornerback Champ Bailey’s started with an interception off a Hall of Fame quarterback.

In the very first game of his career, Bailey – then a Washington Redskin – was matched up against another legend in Michael Irvin for the majority of the day against the Dallas Cowboys.

“You’ve got to think, since I was little, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, I’d looked up to them,” Bailey said. “That was a surreal moment. You don’t get an opportunity like that to play against guys you really watched and liked growing up.”

He had mixed results in the contest, as Irvin notched five catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

But Bailey, ever the competitor, wanted to make sure it was known that those scores weren’t against him – he was on the sideline late in the game with cramps. And in addition to five tackles in his first-ever game, he snared the Aikman interception – a fitting start for the now 11-time Pro Bowler.

“I felt like I belonged at that moment,” he said. “You pick a Hall of Fame quarterback – not a lot of people can say they did that. It was a special moment for me.”

The program also features Q&As with tight end Joel Dreessen and Secondary Coach Ron Milus.

The cover story will be published on DenverBroncos.com in its entirety next week. Below is an early look at the cover.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 80 Comments »

Manning Leads Pro Bowl Votes

November 14th, 2012 - 2:07pm by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

Voting for the 2013 Pro Bowl has been underway for about three weeks, and the early returns are in.

Quarterback Peyton Manning leads all vote-getters for the all-star game with 376,981 votes, and therefore is first in line at his position on the AFC squad.

Plenty more Broncos are among the top-five at their respective positions in the AFC, including outside linebackers Von Miller and Wesley Woodyard, who are one and two among AFC vote-getters.

The Broncos also have two wide receivers near the top of AFC voting — Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are currently ranked Nos. 4 and 5 at their position.

Fullback Chris Gronkowski is currently No. 5 at his position, tight end Jacob Tamme is No. 5 at his position, Ryan Clady is No. 3 among AFC tackles, Zane Beadles is the second-highest vote-getter among AFC guards, center Dan Koppen is currently fourth in votes at his position, defensive end Elvis Dumervil ranks second, Champ Bailey is third among AFC cornerbacks, Rahim Moore is the fifth AFC free safety, Matt Prater is the No. 4 kicker, Britton Colquitt is the No. 4 punter, Trindon Holliday is the No. 5 returner and David Bruton is the No. 4 AFC special-teamer.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 20 Comments »

Battle of Bulldogs Takes Center Stage

November 4th, 2012 - 6:39pm by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

One of the most anticipated matchups on Sunday was between two former Georgia Bulldogs — Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green and Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey.

Having watched Green play since his days at Sanford Stadium, Bailey expected a busy day.

“I expected it, and he didn’t let me down,” he smiled.

Green was targeted nine times, and for the majority of the game, Bailey was matched up in man coverage on the second-year receiver.

The 14th-year cornerback said it was “definitely” the most times he has been thrown to in a game this season.

“I like that, though,” he said. “I love to put myself in position to get the ball thrown my way, whatever it takes.”

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 12 Comments »

Harris Continues Ascent

October 5th, 2012 - 7:43am by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

In starters Orlando Franklin, Von Miller and Rahim Moore, the Broncos have a strong corps of second-year players contributing on a weekly basis.

But in addition to those 2011 NFL Draft picks, cornerback Chris Harris — an undrafted free agent last season — is playing a key role as a sophomore.

“For him to make the team as a free agent last year, he knows he’s better this year,” cornerback Champ Bailey said. “His mentality as far as the game and what to expect, it’s sky-high right now and he’s feeling good about what he can do.”

Bailey said Harris has grown “tremendously” from year one to year two.

Last year, Harris played in all 16 regular-season games and both playoff contests as a rookie, starting five as he emerged as the team’s nickel cornerback.

He was named to the 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America and Football Outsiders after ranking first among the league’s rookie defensive backs with 65 tackles to go along with one interception, six passes defensed and six special-teams stops.

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Posted in DenverBroncos.com | 10 Comments »

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