Champ Bailey’s 100‑yard interception return of Tom Brady wasn’t just a great Broncos moment — it was one of the biggest momentum‑shifting plays in franchise history. A literal 14‑point swing in a playoff game, against the dynasty of the era, in a stadium that was launched into a frenzy. Twenty years later, that play still gives me chills

And honestly… I’m calling for history to rhyme this weekend.

Picture it: the Bills are driving late in the first half, desperate to cut into the 21–3 lead Denver has built by punching them in the mouth for two quarters. Buffalo gets down to the goal line, trying to steal points before halftime — and Josh Allen forces one. Pat Surtain II jumps it, snatches the ball on the goal line, and takes it 100 yards the other way for a pick‑six.

Suddenly it’s 28–3 Broncos heading into halftime, and the stadium is losing its mind.

If Champ set the standard, PS2 is about to honor it.

20 Years Later: Champ Bailey’s 100‑Yard Pick of Tom Brady Still Gives Me Chills
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19 comments

  2. I was 11 years old during this game. All of my family was over. It was below freezing. I told everyone if the broncos won I’d run down the street only wearing my baseball cup. I happily ran my ass down the street that night

  4. Lol even playoff jerk material between two different teams has to be 28-3. Don’t curse us.

  5. I was there and it was absolutely electric. Greatest sports moment I’ve ever seen in person.

  7. We were all cheering and my grandfather said, “Coaches will be showing Ben Watson’s tackle for decades. Despite how bad it looks, he never gave up.”

    Being a partisan I was just happy to the Broncos. But I think Papa was right. That Tight End had no business being anywhere near Champ, but he made the Broncos earn that TD. It was a good lesson for me in celebrating athleticism, rather than simply cheering for a certain color jersey. 

  9. Such a great moment, also will always be remembered for Ben Watson’s hustle to tackle him on the one.

  11. Oh man! That first playoff game at the new stadium, ending the Patriots playoff win streak! Wooo was that place electric! I’ll never forget that one, right there with DT’s game ending TD.

  15. The fact that it’s 100 yards pick and you can’t add the 6 on the end of it 😭😭😭

  17. I was midfield in the 500s and could see that TE closing in on him and holding my breath, great hustle by that dude but this moment belongs to Champ, one of the many times Broncos owned the Patriots and Brady in the Playoffs

  18. Holy shit 20 years? I remember my friend was a patriots fan talking all kinds of shit. As he was in the middle of his shit talking rant sauerbrun smacked the patriots returner for a fumble and from there he was quiet

  19. Holy shit 20 years? I remember my friend was a patriots fan talking all kinds of shit. As he was in the middle of his shit talking rant sauerbrun caused a fumble on a punt. He got quiet after that

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