Broncos legend Champ Bailey didn\u2019t need to stand next to The Rock on the sidelines at Folsom Field to believe CSU defensive back Henry Blackburn\u2019s late hit on CU’s Travis Hunter came with bad intentions.<\/p>\n
“You saw how (Blackburn) looked at him… It was intentional,” Bailey, the Hall of Fame cornerback, told reporters Sunday afternoon at Empower Field prior to the Broncos’ game against Washington.<\/p>\n
“That\u2019s just the nature of the game, but you worry about those things.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the first quarter of Colorado\u2019s electrifying 43-35 double-overtime victory over Colorado State on Saturday, Hunter ran a go route near the Buffs\u2019 sideline when Blackburn leveled the two-way star after the ball had already fallen incomplete. Colorado State was assessed with defensive pass interference and unnecessary roughness on the play.<\/p>\n
Hunter returned to the game on defense during the Rams\u2019 next possession and played for most of the first half. But five minutes into the second half, the team announced that he had been taken to a hospital. Hunter finished the game with two receptions for 21 yards.<\/p>\n
Colorado coach Deion Sanders said after the game that he wasn\u2019t sure of the specifics of the injury, but Hunter is expected to be out a \u201cfew weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the risk. People try to take you,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cAnd unfortunately he might be out for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bailey said players like Hunter have a target on their back. Bailey, who is considered one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history, said he is not surprised about Hunter\u2019s talent level. As someone who once played quarterback, defensive back and receiver at Georgia, few would know better than him.<\/p>\n
Bailey’s biggest concern for him is if he can stay durable playing wide receiver and cornerback. Besides that, he thinks the sky’s the limit for Hunter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s a few kids that come out of high school that have the chance to do that or (are) capable,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cHe\u2019s shown to be one of the greats in every level that he has played.\u201d<\/p>\n