Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey has a message for Seattle Seahawks’ brash, young defensive back Richard Sherman: Say what you want, but make sure you can back it up.
Bailey, 35, a veteran of 15 NFL seasons, will be playing in his first Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. But unlike Sherman, Bailey doesn’t feel the need to broadcast what he’s done in his career to the world. However, that doesn’t mean Bailey has an issue with Sherman or his comments about 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
“[If] you feel like you’re the best, go ahead and say it,” Bailey said on Super Bowl media day. “I’m looking at your actions. It’s not about what you say, it’s about what you do.”
So far, Sherman, who led the NFL with eight interceptions and tipped a potential game-winning touchdown pass by Colin Kaepernick into the hands of teammate Malcolm Smith in the NFC Championship Game, has lived up to the hype.
“If the guy is out there balling and he wants to talk about it, go ahead,” Bailey said. “He’s his own man. One thing about it is, if they shine that light on you, you better be ready for it.”
As for Bailey’s career, a Hall of Fame vote could be in his future. Signed by the Broncos before the 2004 season, Bailey has 52 career interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns. He’s been to 12 Pro Bowls and is a seven-time Associated Press first- or second-team All-Pro selection. But Bailey doesn’t talk about it.
“I don’t need to,” he said. “My game speaks for itself … I’m still here, 15 years, I’m still here.”
As for Sunday’s game, he said he will be ready.
Said Bailey: “I know whoever I line up against, I’m going to try and give them a headache. That’s my thing. I want to be a problem for somebody …That’s really what it’s about, the individual matchups. And I want to win mine.”