Champ Bailey admits NFL is 'tough game' after being benched

The future Hall of Famer was taken out of the Broncos' win over Kansas City.

By Matt Verderame Dec 2, 2013, 9:43am EST

Denver Broncos head coach and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio made a tough call during his team's 35-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night; he benched Champ Bailey.

Bailey, who has been hurt much of the season, struggled throughout the afternoon trying to cover Dwayne Bowe and others before being shown the bench in the second half. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a man who one day will have his bust residing in Canton, Ohio, per the Denver Post.

"I’ve got to get my mind back right, got to get my body back right," Bailey said. "That combination, plus being 35, it’s tough. It’s a tough game. It’s a young man’s game."

With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out of action with a shoulder injury, the Broncos were hoping the 35-year-old Bailey could step to the front and make some plays along with Chris Harris Jr. and Kayvon Webster. However, Bailey could not keep up and eventually had to be kept on the sideline.

With four games left in the regular season, Bailey still has time to get into football shape and become a factor going into the postseason.