College Career at the University of Georgia

After graduating from high school, Bailey accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Georgia, where he played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. His exceptional performance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including consensus All-American honors in 1998 and All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) recognition. In addition to football, Bailey competed in track and field, excelling in the sprint events and long jump. His well-rounded athletic ability made him one of the most respected collegiate athletes of his time.

Professional Football Career

Champ Bailey entered the NFL in 1999 when he was selected by the Washington Redskins as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. He signed a rookie contract worth approximately $12 million. During his tenure with the Redskins, which lasted until 2003, Bailey established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league.

In 2004, he was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he spent the majority of his professional career. Bailey played for the Broncos until 2013 and earned 12 Pro Bowl selections, the most ever for a cornerback at the time. He briefly joined the New Orleans Saints in 2014 but was released before the start of the regular season. Later that year, Bailey announced his retirement from professional football.