Champ Bailey’s recent comments tragically sum up Dan Snyder era

Most fans of the Washington Football Team are convinced the franchise won’t taste success until Dan Snyder’s reign of terror ends.

Hard to fault them for feeling that way. The only problem is we’re not sure what or who is capable of bringing Snyder down.

The longtime owner’s punishment for his involvement in Washington’s toxic workplace culture amounted to a slap on the wrists, all the while Jon Gruden, who wasn’t even a target of the investigation, was forced to resign as head coach of the Raiders for the hateful emails he exchanged with Bruce Allen.

But enough about Snyder’s contributions to Washington’s off-field issues.

Instead, let’s take it back to one of the most shocking trades in NFL history, which Snyder, of course, signed off on.

We’re referencing the Champ Bailey-Clinton Portis blockbuster back in 2004. While the trade undoubtedly worked out for both teams, Bailey’s career reached new heights during his 10-year run with the Broncos.

Fans can’t help but cringe when they think about Bailey’s unceremonious departure, and the Hall of Fame cornerback recently opened up about the trade during an interview with Brian Mitchell and JP Finlay on 106.7 The Fan.

Former Washington CB Champ Bailey summed up the Dan Snyder era during a recent interview.

"“Now, let me be clear. I never asked to leave Washington,” Bailey said. “Remember, I was traded. I didn’t like become a free agent and left willingly. It was, I was traded. So, I just want to be clear, like, I never asked for a trade.That just wasn’t my thing. He (Dan Snyder) wanted to trade me. And I wasn’t surprised by that, because I was never — I wasn’t drafted by Snyder. Like, that just wasn’t, it just wasn’t the case. He didn’t draft me. He bought the team after I got on the team. So, it is what it is. That’s the nature of the business. And in hindsight, looking back, it was the best thing that happened to me in my career. But it wasn’t what I asked for.”"

Anyone else have to fight back the urge to punch a hole through their wall while reading that quote? If Bailey’s comments don’t tragically sum up the Snyder era, then good luck finding something that does.

So, why was Snyder seemingly in such a rush to unload Bailey? Well, as Bailey articulated, he wasn’t Snyder’s guy. Less than two months after Washington drafted Bailey with the No. 7 overall pick in the 1999 draft, NFL owners approved the sale of the franchise to Snyder’s ownership group for $800 million.

It’s almost like Snyder couldn’t stomach Bailey, the first player taken in the draft before he took over the reins of the organization, being the face of the franchise. We obviously can’t confirm that, but would you really put it past the 56-year-old? He’s proven to stoop to whatever lows necessary to get his way.

It’s clear there’s no love lost between Snyder and Bailey, and the former Washington superstar took another shot at the polarizing owner when Mitchell and Finlay asked him about the team’s lack of success over the years.

Good for you, Champ.

We all know Bailey was a bonafide world-beater in Ashburn. He started 80 of a possible 80 games during his five-year run, amassing 332 tackles (10 for loss), 18 interceptions, 81 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries, leading to four Pro Bowl selections.

With Denver, though, Bailey was even more impactful, compiling 599 tackles (32 for loss), 34 INTs, 122 pass breakups and five forced fumbles, leading to eight more Pro Bowl nods and three first team All-Pro selections spanning a decade.

All because Snyder couldn’t fathom the crown jewel of Washington’s 1999 draft class flourishing with the franchise. It’s honestly surprising Snyder didn’t ship Bailey out of town sooner. What a joke.