u/Keyser_Sozay

I’m currently watching Champ’s interview on the Pivot Podcast (worth a watch or listen btw, https://youtu.be/jFN2AsfXGTQ?is=C8dBIYw21IgRT4v-) which made me think:

In a rare NFL scenario (elite player-for-player trades don’t happen often in the NFL; especially where it’s a win-win for both teams), Clinton Portis got sent to WAS for Champ Bailey & I believe a 2nd round pick (that turned into Tatum Bell?):

Right when the trade was announced, up to perhaps the lead-up to Week 1 of that season: what was your initial reaction/feelings/thoughts of the trade?

For me: I was so upset & sad that Portis left lol. I was 3rd grade kid, and my first year as a Bronco fan was Griese’s last season & Portis’ rookie year (‘02?). Growing up in the Aurora area, I only paid attention to and/or heard about the Broncos (unlike today, where I kinda keep track of all 32 teams), so I had no idea who Champ Bailey was. And Portis was the shit to 8 year old me lol (see post’s thumbnail). I’m almost positive that Champ Bailey balled out literally Week 1 though (against the Chiefs?); so it didn’t take long at all to love Champ. This dude had his own offensive package too lol, ala Travis Hunter today

Also: In addition to just your own opinion – what was the league-wide reaction to the trade? Was Broncos Country generally happy/sad with it? I remember it stemming from Shanny not wanting to pay Portis what he wanted. Were multiple other teams trying to get Portis too? Again, I was just a kid then; so it’d be cool to know more BTS details of like the lead-up & aftermath to why/how this all happened. Thx

Pics are from Sinthros’ M26 ’Start Today’ mod