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Aaron Bailey (American football)

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Aaron Duane Bailey (born October 24, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist for five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). Bailey later played for one season in the XFL (2001) and six seasons in the Arena Football League (2001–2006). He played college football at Louisville.

Aaron Bailey
No. 80, 7
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1971-10-24) October 24, 1971 (age 53)
Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school:Pioneer (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
College:DuPage (1990–1991)
Louisville (1992–1993)
Undrafted:1994
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • NJCAA First-Team All-America (1991)
  • NJCAA Region IV Player of the Year (1991)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:67
Receiving yards:1,040
Receiving TDs:6
Kickoff return yards:3,501
Kickoff return TDs:2
Punt return yards:195
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Career Arena League statistics
Receptions:433
Receiving yards:5,618
Receiving TDs:113
Kick return yards:1,384
Kick return TDs:4
Stats at ArenaFan.com

Early years

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Aaron Bailey was born on October 24, 1971, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended Ann Arbor Pioneer High School where he was a star football player as a running back and a track and field athlete.

As a senior in track, Bailey won the Michigan Class A long jump state title with a jump of 23' 5+1⁄2".[1]

In football, Bailey led Pioneer to a Michigan Class A state title as a junior with 1,100 rushing yards on the season.[2] As a senior, Bailey earned Michigan All-State honors with 147 carries for 1,060 rushing yards and 19 receptions for 306 yards with 24 total touchdowns.[3] In 1989, Bailey was named to the Detroit Free Press 1980s Michigan football Class A All-Decade team.[4]

Bailey committed to play football at Eastern Michigan.[5]

College career

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Bailey enrolled at Eastern Michigan for the 1989–1990 academic year, but was forced to sit out of football for one season due to the NCAA's Proposition 48 eligibility rule requiring that student-athletes maintain a specific grade point average or standardized test score while in high school.[6]

College of DuPage (1990–1991)

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After attending Eastern Michigan for a year, Bailey began his college football career at College of DuPage, a junior college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. As a freshman, Bailey played the 1990 season as a defensive back, not having played defense in high school. He led DuPage with five interceptions and three fumble recoveries, earning All-N4C Conference honors.[6]

As a sophomore at DuPage, Bailey began the season as a safety and kick returner before he was moved to running back. He quickly became one of the top junior college performers in the country. In a September 21, 1991, game against Harper College Bailey returned the opening kickoff for a 95-yard touchdown and followed up with an 85-yard punt return touchdown. His performance convinced DuPage head coach Bob MacDougall to move him to offense. In Bailey's first start as a running back, he recorded 14 carries for 150 yards.[7] In only five games at running back, he finished the regular season with 74 carries for 496 rushing yards (6.7 yard average) and six touchdowns. DuPage went 11–1 on the season after defeating Fort Scott Community College (KS) in the Midwest Bowl. Bailey had 197 rushing yards in the game. He was named the NJCAA Region IV Player of the Year and earned a spot on the NJCAA All-America First-Team.[8][9]

Bailey was inducted into the College of DuPage Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.[10]

University of Louisville (1992–1993)

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Following his successful stint at DuPage, Bailey received a scholarship offer from the University of Louisville.[11] At Louisville, he was converted to wide receiver while continuing to return kicks.

In his 1992 junior season, Bailey was the Cardinals' second-leading receiver with 13 catches for 352 yards (27.1 yard average) and one touchdown. He added 25 kick returns for 559 yards and 14 punt returns for 145 yards.[12] In his first game for Louisville against #17-ranked Ohio State, Bailey had two receptions for 84 yards in a close 19–20 loss.[13] His first NCAA touchdown came in a 32–27 victory over Tulsa on a 42-yard pass from quarterback Jeff Brohm in the first quarter. He finished the game with three receptions for 94 yards.[14] Louisville went 5–6 on the season under head coach Howard Schnellenberger. Bailey was named the Cardinals' Outstanding Special Teams player of the year.[15][16]

As a senior, Bailey was again Louisville's second-leading receiver. He finished the season with 26 receptions for 531 yards (20.4 yard average) and four touchdowns. As a returner, he recorded 26 kickoff returns for 622 yards and 10 punt returns for 130 yards and one touchdown.[12] Bailey's best collegiate game came in week two against Memphis State where he caught six passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns and returned a punt for 67 yards and a touchdown. Overall, he had 322 all-purpose yards in the Cardinals' 52–28 victory.[17] Louisville finished the year ranked #24 in the AP poll with a 9–3 record. They defeated Michigan State in the 1993 Liberty Bowl.[18]

Professional career

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Indianapolis Colts (1994–1998)

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Bailey went undrafted in the 1994 NFL draft, but was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as a rookie free agent on May 7, 1994.[19] In his first season with the Colts, Bailey saw limited action behind wide receivers Sean Dawkins and Floyd Turner. He ended the season with two receptions for 30 yards in 13 appearances.[20]

In 1995, Bailey's offensive production increased, and he came into his own as the Colts' top kick returner. He ended the year with 21 receptions for 379 yards and three touchdowns and added 21 kick returns for 495 yards and one touchdown.[20] Bailey's first NFL touchdown came in a Week 3 27–24 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins. Bailey caught a 21-yard pass from quarterback Jim Harbaugh to tie the game in the fourth quarter before Cary Blanchard kicked the winning field goal in overtime.[21] Bailey began returning kicks later in the season, and in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars he returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. He followed his kick return touchdown with a 14-yard touchdown catch later in the first quarter, as the Colts won 41–31.[22]

The Colts finished the regular season at 9–7 and earned a Wild Card spot in the 1995-96 NFL playoffs. They defeated the San Diego Chargers 35–20 in the Wild Card Round. In the Divisional Round, the Colts beat the Kansas City Chiefs 10–7 in a run-heavy game. They faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1995 AFC Championship Game. Against the Steelers, Bailey had four kick returns for 70 yards and one catch for nine yards. However, he is best remembered for the final play of the game. Trailing 20–16 with time for one last play, quarterback Jim Harbaugh threw a Hail Mary pass that was tipped by Pittsburgh strong safety Myron Bell. As Bailey was falling to the ground, the ball ended up in his arms but was knocked free by Pittsburgh cornerback Randy Fuller. The ball briefly ended up on Bailey's chest, but officials ruled that Bailey dropped the ball and the Steelers advanced to Super Bowl XXX.[23][24]

Bailey took over as the starting kick returner in the 1996 season, while he continued to back up Dawkins and rookie Marvin Harrison at wide receiver. As a receiver, Bailey recorded 18 catches for 302 yards on the season. As a kick returner, he had 43 returns for 1,041 yards and one touchdown.[20] Bailey's lone touchdown on the season came in the final week against the Cincinnati Bengals when he returned a fourth-quarter kickoff for 95 yards. The Colts finished 9–7 and earned a playoff berth for the second straight season. In a rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Wild Card Round, the Colts lost 14–42. Bailey had a nine-yard touchdown reception in the game.[25]

In 1997, the Colts were unable to capitalize on their previous two playoff-bound seasons. They were winless in their first 10 games before finishing with a 3–13 record. Bailey missed the final two games of the season with a thigh injury, but had 26 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns and returned 55 kickoffs for a career-high 1,206 yards on the year.[20]

The 1998 season saw Bailey relegated to a full-time special teams player as he struggled with injuries. He played in nine games, recording 19 punt returns for 176 yards and 34 kickoff returns for 759 yards.

Following the 1998 season, Bailey was one of five players left unprotected by the Colts in the 1999 NFL expansion draft for the reactivated Cleveland Browns. Bailey was not selected by the Browns and was subsequently released by the Colts in January 1999.[26]

Bailey left the Colts as the franchise leader in kickoff return yards. As of 2024, Bailey is ranked third in kickoff returns (153), second in return yards (3,501), and is tied for first in kickoff return touchdowns (2) in Colts history.[27]

Oakland Raiders (1999)

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Bailey was signed by the Oakland Raiders on August 12, 1999. He was released on August 31, 1999.[28][29]

New England Patriots (2000)

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Bailey was signed by the New England Patriots on March 9, 2000.[29] He went through the offseason with the Patriots before being released on August 14, 2000.[30]

Chicago Enforcers (2001)

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Bailey was signed by the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL in 2001. He played in the XFL's lone season, where he was part of an Enforcers team that went 5–5 before losing in the playoffs to the Los Angeles Xtreme. Bailey finished the season with 32 catches for 546 yards and three touchdowns.[31]

Carolina Cobras (2001–2002)

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Bailey was signed by the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League (AFL) on May 30, 2001, as an offensive specialist.[32] He joined the Cobras mid-way through their 2001 season, but still led the team in receiving with 61 receptions for 951 yards and 19 touchdowns.[33] The Cobras went 7–7 on the regular season before losing to the Indiana Firebirds in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2002, Bailey again led Carolina in receiving with 91 catches for 1,114 yards and 18 touchdowns. He added four kick returns for 80 yards and one touchdown.[33] Despite going 6–8 on the regular season, the Cobras earned a spot in the AFL playoffs. They beat the Grand Rapids Rampage in the first round before losing to the Arizona Rattlers in the quarterfinals.

San Jose SaberCats (2003)

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Bailey signed with the San Jose SaberCats for the 2003 season.[34] Bailey had 16 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns and seven carries for 12 yards and five touchdowns on the season. On special teams, Bailey had one blocked punt. The SaberCats went 12–4 and finished the regular season first in the Western Division. They beat the Georgia Force in the Quarterfinals of the 2003 AFL playoffs before losing to the Arizona Rattlers in the Semifinals.[33]

New Orleans VooDoo (2004–2005)

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In 2004, Bailey signed with the New Orleans VooDoo. He led the VooDoo in receiving for the 2004 season with 91 receptions for 1,364 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was also the team's leading kick returner with 46 returns for 900 yards and two touchdowns.[33] The team went 11–5 before losing in the first round of the 2004 AFL playoffs to the Colorado Crush.

In 2005, Bailey again led the VooDoo in receiving with his best AFL statistical season. He had 144 receptions for 1,690 yards and 37 touchdowns, one rush for one touchdown, and 23 kick returns for 344 yards and one touchdown.[33] The VooDoo went 9–7 on the season and missed the playoffs.

Grand Rapids Rampage (2006)

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In 2006, Bailey signed with the Grand Rapids Rampage. He recorded 31 receptions for 302 yards and five touchdowns as the Rampage went 5–11 on the season.[33]

Professional career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high

NFL statistics

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Year Team Games Receiving Kick Returns
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD KR Yds Avg Lng TD
1994 IND 13 0 2 30 15.0 23 0 – – – – –
1995 IND 15 3 36 379 18.0 45 3 21 495 23.6 95 1
1996 IND 14 2 18 302 16.8 40 0 43 1,041 24.2 95 1
1997 IND 13 4 26 329 12.7 22 3 55 1,206 21.9 61 0
1998 IND 9 0 – – – – – 34 759 22.3 44 0
Career 64 9 67 1,040 15.5 45 6 153 3,501 22.9 95 2

XFL statistics

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Year Team Games Receiving Kick Returns
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD KR Yds Avg Lng TD
2001 CHI 10 – 32 546 17.1 50 3 – – – – –
Career 10 – 32 546 17.1 50 3 – – – – –

AFL statistics

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Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Kick Returns
GP Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD KR Yds Avg TD
2001 CAR 8 61 915 15.0 19 1 2 2.0 0 5 44 8.8 0
2002 CAR 14 90 1,114 12.4 18 1 1 1.0 0 4 80 20.0 1
2003 SJC 16 16 233 14.6 2 7 12 1.7 5 2 16 8.0 0
2004 NOV 16 91 1,364 15.0 32 1 1 1.0 0 46 900 19.6 2
2005 NOV 16 144 1,690 11.7 37 1 1 1.0 0 23 344 15.0 1
2006 GRR 16 31 302 9.7 5 1 2 2.0 0 1 0 0.0 0
Career 96 433 5,618 13.0 113 12 19 1.6 6 81 1,384 17.1 4

Personal life

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Bailey lives in Kentwood, Michigan. He has seven children.[10]

Bailey's son, Amari Bailey, played one season of college basketball for UCLA.[35] He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft with the 41st overall pick,[36] and on July 14, 2023, he signed a two-way contract with the Hornets.[37] He made his NBA debut in November 2023 for the Hornets.[38]

References

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  1. ^ "Class A". The Herald-Palladium. June 5, 1989. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "The Top 25". Detroit Free Press. September 1, 1988. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Traverse City boasts two class A all-staters". Petoskey News-Review. UPI. December 8, 1988. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "All-Decade Team". Detroit Free Press. December 18, 1989. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Eastern Michigan". Detroit Free Press. February 9, 1989. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Mayer, Larry (November 2, 1991). "Bailey's return to offense gives Du Page explosive lift". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  7. ^ "IVCC faces tough league test". The Times. October 12, 1991. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Chaps dominate Midwest Bowl, 35–0". Lemont Metropolitan. December 12, 1991. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Chap gridmen named All-America". Lemont Metropolitan. January 2, 1992. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b "Hall of Fame Class of 2023". College of DuPage Athletics. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  11. ^ "Area College Football Signings". The Courier-Journal. February 6, 1992. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b "Aaron Bailey". Sports Reference CFB. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  13. ^ "Louisville falls 20–19 as 2-point pass fails". The Courier-Journal. September 6, 1992. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Brown, Russ (October 18, 1992). "Cards rack up 536 yards, beat Tulsa 32–27". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "1992 Louisville Cardinals Schedule and Results". Sports Reference CFB. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  16. ^ Brown, Russ (December 14, 1992). "Quarterback Brohm picked as Cards' Most Valuable Player for '92". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Bailey's the cream". Lansing State Journal. December 29, 1993. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "1993 Louisville Cardinals Stats". Sports Reference CFB. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  19. ^ "Transactions". The Indianapolis News. May 7, 1994. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ a b c d "Aaron Bailey". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  21. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – October 8th, 1995". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  22. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – December 10th, 1995". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  23. ^ "Relive the Steelers 1995 AFC Championship Game". 247sports.com on Feb 11, 2017.
  24. ^ Chappell, Mike (January 15, 1996). "Hail Mary is unanswered". The Indianapolis News. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "1996 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  26. ^ Chappell, Mike (January 15, 1999). "Colts offer five players to Browns". The Indianapolis News. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "2023 Indianapolis Colts Media Guide". Colts.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  28. ^ Jenkins, Jim (August 12, 1999). "Who is Aaron Bailey? Ex-Colt just missed being playoff hero". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ a b Borges, Ron (March 10, 2000). "Bailey ready for happy return". The Boston Globe. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Patriots Cut Eight, Including Vet Brisby". Athol Daily News. Associated Press. August 15, 2000. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Aaron Bailey football statistics". Just Sports Stats. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  32. ^ "Cobras sign two NFL vets". The News and Observer. May 31, 2001. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b c d e f "Aaron Bailey Arena Football League stats". ArenaFan. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  34. ^ Miller, Dennis (January 31, 2003). "SaberCats begin defense of their title on Sunday". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Amari Bailey". USA Basketball. March 10, 2021. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  36. ^ "NBA draft: UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. goes to Heat at No. 18 overall". June 23, 2023.
  37. ^ "Charlotte Hornets Sign Amari Bailey To Two-Way Contract". NBA.com.
  38. ^ "Game Notes," NBA.com.
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