The Lead
Champ Bailey’s initial view of Denver before joining the Broncos was simple: Compared to his home state of Georgia, there was a lot of snow in Colorado.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Broncos Ring of Famer joined Steve Smith Sr., a former wide receiver who played 16 seasons in the NFL, on his “Cut To It” podcast to talk about playing against each other, Bailey’s football career and the impact of being a professional athlete on raising a family.
“My first impression of Denver, when that thought of going there came about, was, ‘Damn, it snows,'” Bailey said. “That’s the first thing that came to my mind, but then I start thinking about the team, and I know I could play anywhere in any weather, so I didn’t really settle on that too much. I start thinking about the team, I’m like, ‘Damn, they’re always in the playoffs.'”
Bailey was candid with Smith about feeling undervalued in Washington, where he did not receive a contract extension despite making four straight Pro Bowls. When he approached former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan about a trade and a big contract, Bailey recalls that Shanahan said, “No problem.”
“There was no better transition for me in my career than going to Denver,” Bailey said. “Best thing that ever happened.”
Smith reflected on matching up against Bailey when he was on the Panthers, noting that Bailey’s tendency to closely shadow him on defense was a nuisance.
“When we played against you guys in 2003, you were the first player in my young career — I was in my third year, but my second year starting — that I was followed everywhere,” Smith said. “… I never expected a guy to follow me everywhere and be so close up on me that I could see if he had a fresh shave.”
Check out Smith’s full interview with Bailey here.
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