Champ Bailey released by Broncos: Top Twitter tributes from ex-teammates

The Broncos have released cornerback Champ Bailey. It was a move the team had to make: Bailey was hurt most of last year, and when he wasn't, he was a shadow of his formerly great self -- plus, the decision saved the squad $10 million. And yet, there's no joy...

By Michael Roberts

March 6, 2014

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

The Broncos have released cornerback Champ Bailey.

It was a move the team had to make: Bailey was hurt most of last year, and when he wasn't, he was a shadow of his formerly great self -- plus, the decision saved the squad $10 million. And yet, there's no joy in seeing a surefire Hall of Famer be shown the door in this manner, as is clear from plenty of his teammates, who took to Twitter to share their emotions and pay tribute to one of the best athletes to ever wear Broncos orange. See our favorite tweets from players below.

Blessed to be able lineup opposite Champ and learn from a Great . Will def be missed . http://t.co/shShhj6PtX
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) March 6, 2014

Champ. You taught me a lot! It's been a damn honor and a privilege bruh. #straightup #truepro #hallofFame
— Danny Trevathan (@Grindin_59) March 6, 2014

5 years with Champ! Can't believe 1 of the greatest is no longer here. Learned more than u can imagine from him. More than a teammate 4 sure
— David BRUTON JR. (@D_Brut30) March 6, 2014

It was an honor to have played with Champ. He will be missed.
— Ben Garland (@BenGarland63) March 6, 2014

Continue to see more Twitter tributes to Champ Bailey from his former Broncos teammates.

Been a honor to be able to say I went head to head with this man here. Will be missed for sure... pic.twitter.com/XnjbSjGfEu
— Demaryius Thomas (@DemaryiusT) March 6, 2014

I'll never forget that speech champ gave us before the Super Bowl.. He was in tears... Salute to one of the Greatest
— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh54) March 6, 2014

I didnt realize today would be the last day i see Champ at the facility.. My heart hurts.. Class act individual
— Gerell Robinson (@G_Rob10) March 6, 2014

I swear he made me better pic.twitter.com/GGvCcAP2UM
— Dominique (@drc941) March 6, 2014

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

More from our Denver Blogs archive circa February 2011: "John Elway's tweets give Broncos Nation hope a Champ Bailey contract deal will happen."

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

A message from Michael Roberts: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of essential stories and to investigate issues that matter.

Support Today