NFL Network added a pair of Broncos to its list of the top 100 players in 2012 on Wednesday night’s show. Quarterback Peyton Manning came in at No. 50, despite missing the entire 2011 season with an injury. Cornerback Champ Bailey became the highest ranking Bronco on the list thus far at No. 46.

“I always think there’s room to grow, so I’m never content with where I am,” Bailey said. “I’m just trying to go out every year and earn the respect of my peers.”

Former Broncos safety Brian Dawkins, who retired earlier this year, was in studio to discuss Bailey’s ranking.

“You knew he was going to bring it every play,” Bailey said about Dawkins. “Whether it’s practice or the film room, it didn’t matter. He was going to bring it 100 percent. Dawkins is one of a kind. I was just blessed to have a couple years with him. I wish I could have had my whole career with a guy like him.”
Manning’s ranking elicited plenty of conversation around the league since he didn’t play a snap during the 2011 season.

When Peyton Manning was introduced as the new Broncos quarterback, he said one of the first things he wanted to do in Denver is get to know all his new teammates.

“I met [WR] Eric Decker on my visit,” Manning said, cracking a smile. “[DE] Elvis Dumervil and [CB] Champ Bailey have been blowing up my phone. Hopefully that will die down a little bit and I can get to know them in person.”

On Monday, Bailey had a chance to defend himself.

He laughed and said Manning only texted him back twice, but the last text was, ‘Let’s go,’ and Bailey said “that’s all I needed.”

“The way I looked at it, being in his shoes—I know everybody’s trying to get a piece of him, and I just wanted to let him know that I was here if he had any questions,” Bailey explained. “I just wanted to support him wherever he went, but I did let him know how badly I wanted him on my team. At the same time, he didn’t have to say much. He texted me and said that he’d get back to me. He did, and then he texted me after he agreed to come here. ‘Let’s go,’ pretty much.”

During the process, Bailey said he didn’t get his hopes up that Manning would end up a Bronco. While he wanted it to happen “pretty badly,” he said he let the situation play itself out.

So when he saw Manning would be his teammate, how did it feel?

“It was a good feeling,” Bailey smiled. “I can’t really put it into words how I felt at the time, but I just know it just gave me a chance to get somewhere I want to go.”

-Gray Caldwell