One of the finest defensive players of this era is hanging Larry Centers Jersey up the cleats.Despite lingering interest from a handful of teams, has chosen to retire from the NFL to pursue other career opportunities, his agent, Jack Reale, told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport on Tuesday."Every profe sional athlete knows and understands that at some point his career will end and it will be time to move on to another phase in life," Bailey said in a statement released by the . "For me, that time is now.""It's a decision made after great thought and, Jonathan Ledbetter Jersey for this reason, I announce my decision to retire. I thank you all for your support."The 12-time selection looms as a likely entry after 207 starts over 15 seasons with the and .An immediate fixture on the field from the minute Washington made him the No. 7 overall pick in 1999, Bailey's blanketing coverage and ball-hawking skills were at their most dominant during a 2006 campaign that saw him lead the NFL with 10 interceptions.He wasn't the same player last summer, when an injury-marred training camp with the D.J. Humphries Jersey prior to autumn workouts with the and .All the while, Bailey was known as a dignified and quiet leader who made an impre sion on the players and coaches he worked alongside."Champ was the pillar in this organization for a long, long time," general manager John Elway said. "He brought great stability to the not only as a player but as a person through his ability and leadership."A member of the 's All-2000s Team, Bailey was limited to five starts with the last season but returned to the field in time to produce a signature Indian-summer performance in the AFC Championship Game, allowing just one reception for four yards in a victory over the ." is one of the best cornerbacks ever to play in Devon Kennard Jersey the NFL, in my opinion," said. "... He was a great teammate in the two years we were here together, and it was very easy to see what made him such a special player."Bailey with former Oilers and cornerback Ken Houston for the most nods among defensive backs. Sizing up his odds for the , it's worth noting that the short list of include Reggie White, , , Ray Lewis, Merlin Olsen, Bruce Matthews and Tony Gonzalez.He'll join the bulk of them in Canton someday soon.The latest Around The James Conner Jersey NFL Podcast . Find more Around The NFL content on .