Champ Bailey has retired from the NFL after a prolific career across two teams.
Champ Bailey has decided to retire after appearing in 15 NFL seasons with Washington and the Denver Broncos. Bailey's agent relayed the news to USA Today.
Bailey made 12 Pro Bowls after being taken No. 7 overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, and was named All-Pro seven times. He was twice named the NFL Alumni Defensive Back of the Year, the second time during the the 2006 season when he co-led the NFL with 10 interceptions.
His career ended on perhaps his crowning achievement, however, when he reached the Super Bowl for the first time in his career last February with the Broncos. Bailey was unable to stick with a team this offseason. He was released by the Broncos in March, and again by the New Orleans Saints at the 53-man roster deadline after signing a two-year contract with the team in April.
According to Bailey's agent, the cornerback has yet to decide whether he will sign a one-day contract so that he can officially retire with the Broncos. Bailey's 52 career interceptions rank 26th all-time in NFL history. Only two active players -- Charles Woodson (58) and Ed Reed (64) -- have more.
Congratulations to 12-time Pro Bowler Champ Bailey on an outstanding career. pic.twitter.com/ipgSToBHZN
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 28, 2014