Champ Bailey has been voted to seven Pro Bowls in the past eight years and likely will add another in this, his ninth season.
“That first one is the hardest,” Bailey said. “You have to have a great season to get that first Pro Bowl nod. Then they get easier.”
With that said, Bailey has a message to second-year Broncos players Elvis Dumervil and Brandon Marshall, both on the bubble for Pro Bowl berths.
“They have to have a great game in Houston,” Bailey said. “It’s on national television, and guys are voting this week. I think this game will mean a lot for them.”
Pro Bowl votes are split among players, coaches and fans. Players and coaches vote this week. Fan voting ends this week. The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Tuesday.
Dumervil and Marshall, who were fourth-round picks in 2006, likely will get consideration. Dumervil, the AFC’s defensive player of the week for his three sacks in Denver’s 41-7 victory over the Chiefs on Sunday, has 11 sacks, right behind AFC leaders Jared Allen of Kansas City and San Diego’s Shawne Merriman, who have 11 1/2. Marshall is fifth in the AFC in catches (75) and receiving yards (1,029).
“These guys are having great years,” Bailey said. “I hope they make it. That’d be great. We have a lot of young kids on this team, and it would be good for those guys to make it.”
Bailey also said quarterback Jay Cutler is putting up a Pro Bowl season. Cutler is the fifth-rated quarterback in the AFC and has thrown for 2,842 yards and 17 touchdowns. Cutler, Dumervil and Marshall may have to settle for alternate selections.
“It’s really tough that first time,” Bailey said.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
