Champ Bailey feeling spry in 14th season

Denver Broncos defensive back Champ Bailey runs with the football during NFL football practice at the team's training facility in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, June 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

A lot has been said of Peyton Manning shaking off the rust in his 14th year in the league, but there’s another future Hall of Famer on the Denver Broncos roster who’s aiming to defy the laws of time and physics.

“I am still as good as I was when I was 22 or 23,” (Champ) Bailey said during a break between practices here during the team’s minicamp. “I can’t run as fast as I did then or jump as high. But I am smarter. I know how to take care of my body better. I know how to anticipate things a little better. I understand football a lot better, which keeps me on top of my game.”

Bailey goes on to claim he’s as fast as anyone in the league, which prompted the author to ask Bailey if he could run a 4.3 40-time.

“Not right now,” Bailey said after practice. “I’m tired. But if somebody told me I had to run a 40 in two weeks, I’d run a 4.3.”

The Broncos have two perennial Pro Bowlers entering their 14th year in the league in 2012. While all the hype surrounds Manning, fans and opponents would do well not to forget about the veteran lining up on the other side of the football field.

Entering 14th season, Broncos’ Bailey as good — and fast — as he ever was [CBSSports.com]