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Behind the Stripes

Champ Bailey

By Atlanta United FC

September 13^th, 2019

After 215 professional games as one of the greatest defenders in the history of football, Champ Bailey has seen plenty of crowds. But as he prepares to take the stage to hammer the Golden Spike in front of a packed house of the South’s rowdiest at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he can’t help but be impressed.

“I didn’t grow up playing soccer,” he says, “But to see the excitement in the stands, to have soccer here, to see it thrive, it says a lot about the fanbase we have here. It’s amazing to see a franchise pop up and succeed right away and even carry the torch for the city.”

Champ wasn’t born in Georgia, but it’s fair to say he was made here. After spending his early years in Kentucky, he moved to Folkston, a town of about 2,000 people near the border with Florida. He played offense, defense and special teams for Charlton County High School, where many of his records on both sides of the ball still stand.

By the time most athletes go to college, they’ve found a position to specialize in. But Champ was special; they just couldn’t take him off the field. Not only was he the best defender in college football, he averaged over 100 yards per game in all-purpose yards, receiving, rushing, kick returning – whatever the team needed, he was ready. He learned how to play the game, but more importantly, he says he matured into a man.

“You learn how to be a professional,” he says. “There’s a lot of responsibility with classes, so you have to learn to be accountable to your teammates and your schoolwork. There’s nothing harder than college football. Going to class and still really majoring in football, those are two dynamic things that can control your life. Ask any student, it’s tough to graduate from college. So balancing the two takes a strong-willed person.”

Playing between the hedges for the University of Georgia was also Champ’s first introduction to sports fans in the Peach State, a truly special kind of support.

“One thing I noticed is just the loyalty. We’ve had so many up and down years, but that brand carries strong in this state and will for years to come. We’re fortunate to have that kind of fan base that everyone knows what it’s about to support their team.”

Champ’s story is well-known from there. He grew into a consensus All-American, winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the best defensive player in the nation –– but there were many more accolades to come. Over the next 15 years in the NFL, he’d be selected to the Pro Bowl twelve times, the most ever for a cornerback. He was not only the image of excellence, he was the epitome of consistency. Once he got on top, he kept the hunger to stay there.

“It’s just a competitive nature,” he says. “You can’t really coach it, you either have it or you don’t. What are you going to do about it? If you’re competitive you have to always be over-prepared for what’s about to come. But most of all, you have to stick to your grind, always elevate your game, and just never get complacent.”

It’s the same advice he gives to Atlanta United, and there may be no one more qualified to give it. Atlanta United earned their crown last year, but champions come every season. To become an icon, a true legend of the city, you can never lose the drive and the hunger.

“If you have a real competitive spirit about you, you’ll find ways to improve, ways to get yourself back there. You know what it takes to get to the top, and that experience does help. But when it comes down to it, you have to be even harder on yourself than you were the year before. People are gunning for you, so it’s a different mentality. You have to truly elevate everything in your game.”

But with a gold jacket hanging in his closet, signifying his Hall of Fame status and induction into the true royalty of professional football on his first ballot, Champ’s just a fan now. And the electricity in Mercedes-Benz stadium is getting him hyped for a special night.

“It’s one thing to have a team, but to have a team that wants to win every year brings something special to the city,” he says as he takes a few practice swings of the hammer. “A team that’s led by Arthur Blank, an owner that puts you in position to succeed, the sky’s the limit. You just have to get the players to understand what it takes, and that comes with great leadership. That’s how you win.”

And with that he heads down the tunnel, ready for his moment on the capo stand. And with it, a roar of the crowd that he knows so well.

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