John Elway never had to go against Champ Bailey as a player. Bailey came into the league the season after Elway retired. Having served as his boss however, Elway is very familiar with Bailey.

On Thursday, Bailey will be inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. On Monday, Elway was asked about the legendary cornerback.

“I’ll just say this: it’s the first of many for Champ,’ Elway said. “He had a tremendous career and was one of the top corners to ever play the game. When he came to Denver from Washington, what he did in the community here, this is just the start for Champ. I think it couldn’t happen to a better guy.”

Bailey spent a decade with the Broncos. During that time, he earned five of his six career first-team All-Pro selections. He also earned eight of his 12 Pro Bowl selections in orange and blue. After failing to make the New Orleans Saints roster for the 2014 season, Bailey signed a one-day contract with the Broncos on Nov. 14, 2014 to retire as a member of the club.