You got to be real with yourself and not just let yourself pass on things that tend to become a bad habit. Make sure you stay on top of practicing well and preparing the way you always do.
Champ BaileyWhen I look back, I'm glad I grew up in a small town. There, it's just you, your family and whatever you make of it.
Champ BaileyThe street is where we all learn. I played organized football growing up as well, but when that was over, I went right to the street. I remember twisting my ankles, breaking my thumb, I hurt everything when I was little playing street ball.
Champ BaileyIf something's wrong with my body, I make sure to address it right away and not try to let it linger because it creates a bigger problem. You just have to understand your body, and when your body tells you something you just have to react.
Champ BaileyI'm always fighting to make the team anyway. I'm always preparing like I'm one of the bottom guys, trying to make the team.
Champ BaileyI'm not Deion Sanders. We're different people with different styles. People see similarities between me and him; that's fine. It's an honor to be mentioned in the same breath with him. But that's as far as I go with it.
Champ BaileyI don't worry about getting tired. I try not to let it guide me as far as how much I'm going to play. I play with my heart.
Champ BaileyWhen you're a little kid, you want the ball. You don't want to play defense. When you get the ball, basically you can do whatever you want.
Champ BaileyI've been blessed with some luck, great ability and athleticism. That's really what's made me a great player, but I think the reason I've been able to last this long is the little things like taking care of my body.
Champ BaileyI think as a veteran player, in general, you should feel that sense of responsibility to try to lead these guys to becoming good pros. You want the league to be in good hands, and you want these guys to become great NFL players and then pass it along to the next generation. You can only lead by example, and that's pretty much what I'm trying to do.
Champ Bailey