Champ Bailey

By Allyson Turner

At 6 feet, 185 pounds and arguably the best athlete available in Saturday's NFL Draft, Roland "Champ" Bailey is projected as a top-5 pick. Last season he was honored with the Nagurski Award presented to the nation's top defensive player as well as earning All-SEC honors for two consecutive seasons.

At Georgia, Bailey played cornerback, wide receiver and as a part-time return specialist. Participating in 957 plays in '98, he totaled 828 yards as a receiver. On defense he made 52 tackles and had three interceptions. Bailey is focusing on cornerback, but will probably see action on both sides of the ball in the NFL.

 

Champ Bailey also ran track for Georgia with his best event being the long jump. (Allsport)

Who gave you the nickname, Champ?
My mom did actually. There's nothing real significant about it, it's just a nickname. She gave it to me when I was about 1 or 2 years old and it just stuck with me.

What's happening leading up to the draft?
I've just been continuing to work out. I've visited three teams -- Dallas, St. Louis and Washington. I'm just trying to sit back to wait and see what's gonna happen.

You are projected to go high in the draft. Does it matter to you where you are drafted?
It does and it doesn't. I can't control it but I would like to go as high as possible. But wherever I go, I'm gonna try to make the best of the situation.

In an ideal world, where would you like to play?
Over the last few months, I've learned not to have a favorite team.

What are your personal goals for football?
I want to be an All-Pro corner, hopefully one day make the Hall of Fame and take my team to the Super Bowl.

Who is the greatest cornerback of all-time?
Darrell Green and Deion Sanders run a tight race.

If you could learn from a veteran corner, would you choose one of those guys?
I would but it's so hard to pick. It definitely would be one of those guys.

What receiver in the NFL are you most looking forward to burning for an interception?
There are so many good ones in the NFL. Growing up, you watch a lot of them and when you get to this level you would like to go against the one you grew up watching. Jerry Rice or someone like that.

Which player in the NFL do you most admire?
Darrell Green. He's been around so long and he's still so good. It takes a lot for a player to play for that long. You have to really love the game to do that.

Who had the most influence on you?
My parents. It's a lot of things that they taught us growing up. It's not just one specific thing that stuck. It's overall how they raised us to be good kids and good players.

What was the best part of your college experience?
Playing with my brother.

Who was the toughest receiver you faced?
Jacquez Green.

What do you want for your life after football?
My decisions about what I want to do changes every year, so I'm just gonna let it come to me.

What is a perfect day for Champ Bailey?
Winning the Super Bowl.