Getty
When the Washington Football Team invades Empower Field at Mile High Stadium to face the Denver Broncos, October 31, 2021, it may spark great memories for Broncos Country.
Former Denver Broncos Champ Bailey will always be remembered as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL history. Drafted 7th overall by the Washington Redskins in 1999, Bailey quickly became a shutdown corner. In 2006, it was his best season posting 10 interceptions and 21 passes defended that season alone.
Bailey was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2004 and instantly became a defensive anchor. He played in Denver from 2004-2013, he was named to 12 Pro Bowls, made five All-Pro teams, and earned a reputation as a relentless defender against elite receivers.
In an ESPN article by Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, they listed Bailey on their all-quarter century team. Bailey was known for his aggressive tackling and tight contesting at the catch point. He was constantly responsible for covering the team’s other top wide receiver. He finished his career with 908 tackles and 52 interceptions. He was selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also a member of the NFL All-Decade team of the 2000’s and he was selected to the Broncos 50th Anniversary Team.
Bailey Partnership with Trulieve
He spends his retirement life doing many things and one of them includes investing in his partnership with Trulieve. Trulieve is one of the largest cannabis companies in the world. Bailey admits he used cannabis during his career as it helped create longevity during his playing career. In an article in January by Ryan Gaydos, Bailey discusses using cannabis in a career.
“But, fortunately enough for me, I stayed away from it until I was mature enough to participate. And it wasn’t until my second and third years in Washington that I was exposed to it. I always had some exposure to it from a social standpoint, but I never took part in it. And that’s just because of where I was raised. I never thought of it being a benefit to my health,” he explained.
“But once I saw professionals, like myself, doing it, I felt more inclined to try. For one, I didn’t want to go down the road of alcoholism or become addicted to any drugs. So, I made it a point to … let’s just crawl before I walk. I did it a few times, and it worked for me. And it calmed my mind, my body. If you’re familiar with anything in the NFL, it’s one of the toughest sports to play. For me, it was just, ‘How do I bounce back and stay at the highest level of my game?’ Well, this helped me do that,” said Bailey.
Bailey the Businessman on and off the Field
Champ exemplifies how elite performance and personal reinvention can coexist. As an NFL legend, he governed the game’s most elite receivers with precision. As a cannabis partner, he’s charting a new path with one rooted in wellness, education, and progressive business leadership.
From shutting down Pro Bowl talents to supporting wellness initiatives with legal cannabis, Champ’s journey is far from typical. He’s redefined impact, moving from the high-stakes turf of the NFL into boardrooms and advocacy circles building a legacy that inspires athletes and entrepreneurs alike.