Ravens Ed Reed, Redskins Champ Bailey Make 2019 HOF Class
Former Washington Redskins great Champ Bailey and Baltimore Ravens legend Ed Reed
Back in 1999, the Washington Redskins made Champ Bailey the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft, beginning a legendary career that wound up with a Hall of Fame selection on Saturday. Bailey joined Baltimore Ravens legend Ed Reed and two other defensive backs — Ty Law and Johnny Robinson — as well as tight end Tony Gonzalez, offensive lineman Kevin Mawae, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, and longtime executive Gil Brandt in the newest class of Pro Football Hall of Famers.
Bailey played five seasons for the Redskins, making four Pro Bowls and one playoff appearance. In 2004, he was traded to Denver for Clinton Portis where he continued defending the opposition’s best receiver. Altogether, the former Georgia standout made 12 Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.
In addition to his role as Washington’s No. 1 cornerback, Bailey also played some on offense and returned punts for the Redskins. During the 2000 season, he caught three passes for 78 yards as a wide receiver, adding one rushing touchdown from seven yards out.
With 203 passes defended, Champ Bailey is the NFL’s all-time leader ahead of Ronde Barber (197), Terence Newman (183) and Charles Woodson (183).
Reed was drafted in 2002 by the Ravens, spending the bulk of his career in the Charm City. His resume includes nine Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro honors and won one Super Bowl win (with Baltimore in 2012).
After Baltimore, Reed spent one season each with Houston and the New York Jets, eventually earning a spot in the Ravens Ring of Honor post retirement.
The 2019 class will be inducted on August 3rd in Canton, Ohio.
Featured Image: Erik Drost [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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