After 15 seasons that produced a resume for a potential Hall of Fame induction, cornerback Champ Bailey is retiring from the National Football League.      

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, stating that, “Bailey has decided to hang up his cleats even though teams have shown interest in signing him.”

The 36-year-old veteran retires with 12 Pro Bowl selections and 52 career interceptions. Bailey played 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos following five with the Washington Redskins, who made Bailey the seventh pick of the 1999 draft. Bailey played 215 regular-season games in his career, starting 207, and finished with 52 career interceptions. Bailey is only behind Ed Reed and Darren Sharper, respectively, for the most career interceptions. 

Bailey’s 12 Pro Bowl selections are the most-ever by a cornerback, tied for the most ever, with Hall of Famer Ken Houston, by a defensive back and tied for second all-time among all defensive players. Only Reggie White and Ray Lewis, each with 13 Pro Bowl selections, had more on the defensive side of the ball.

The only thing missing from Bailey’s career was a super bowl ring and that more than likely was the reason for the veteran’s mid season departure after failing to find a championship contenter that needed a CB.

Bailey was cut prior to this year by the New Orleans Saints after being on the super bowl runner up Denver Broncos last season. 

Many football professionals call Bailey the “best shut down corner of his era.”

Bailey said there were “some TV opportunities” he has been looking at to begin his life after football and added his family was “ecstatic” about the decision to retire and the start of the next chapter.

Ladies and gentleman, one of the greats just left the NFL and is on his way to Canton.