Oct 28, 2014 04:30 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Champ Bailey, one of the greatest defensive backs in the history of the NFL, has decided to retire at age 36, even though he may have had an opportunity to play this season.

Bailey is not on Facebook and his verified Twitter account has not seen a new post since April 2012. Instead, the 12-time Pro Bowl cornerback confirmed his retirement to a newspaper though his agent, Jack Reale.

"Now was as good a time as any to do that," Reale told USA Today of his client's decision.

Bailey signed with the New Orleans Saints before the season, but did not make the final 53-man roster. After he had lost more than a step as a corner, Bailey transitioned into more of a safety with the Denver Broncos, with whom he played from 2004 to 2013.

Like many all-time greats have done with their respective teams, it is unclear as of now if Bailey will sign a one-day contract with the Broncos to retire as a member of the organization.

Bailey was drafted seventh overall by the Washington Redskins in 1999 out the University of Georgia, where he was regarded as an outstanding all-around athlete. While at Georgia, he played defense, offense and special teams, but also ran track. He was an All-American and two-time SEC first team member.

Bailey was far more than a terrific athlete, as his football IQ helped him make 12 Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro honors and two Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Only Reggie White made more Pro Bowls as a defensive player.

For much of his prime, opposing passers often dared not to even target the receiver Bailey was covering, but age took its toll and Bailey dealt with a nagging hip injury all through 2013, ESPN noted, his final season in the NFL.

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