John Elway had only just started his role leading the Broncos' football operations as Bailey's time in the NFL came to a close. But Elway could sense, even at the tail end of a Hall of Fame career, that Bailey stood in an elite class.

"I came here when he was late in his career, but he was a guy who was a great competitor," Elway said. "He was a very good leader and a guy that made big plays at the right time. Obviously when you have a guy that makes 12 Pro Bowls as a cornerback, he gets a lot of respect from a lot of people. He was a tremendous player."

A former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Bailey was more than just a tremendous player. He served the community and mentored young players like Chris Harris Jr.

Bailey made it clear during his Ring of Fame enshrinement that he simply followed the example that was set from high above in the organization.

Bailey was joined in this year's Hall of Fame class by Pat Bowlen, a man whose accomplishments are plentiful and long-lasting.

"I don't know how you can write the history of the National Football League without Pat Bowlen," Baker said.

The Broncos unveiled a new plaque on Bowlen's Ring of Fame pillar to reflect his newest accomplishment, and it wasn't lost on Bailey that he was able to enter the Hall alongside a man whom he deeply respected.