Missouri Linebacker Chad Bailey Declares for NFL Draft
Missouri linebacker Chad Bailey declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Monday.
The two-time captain is the seventh Tiger to declare, as he joins fellow linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper, defensive backs Jaylon Carlies and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., defensive lineman Darius Robinson, running back Cody Schrader and kicker Harrison Mevis.
Bailey only played five games during the Cotton Bowl-winning season, as he went down with a core muscle injury on Nov. 7. He finished his sixth year with 17 tackles, including one for loss, a sack, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. In 2022, Bailey finished third on the team in tackles (57) and fourth in tackles for loss (8.5)
Bailey's draft declaration came with a message. Here is the transcript:
"First off, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents here at the University of Missouri. Shoutout to my mom and dad for believing in my dreams and making me the man I am today. To my sister Chelsey, you're the best sister a brother could ask for and I love you forever.
I want to give big gratitude to all my coaches from Little League all the way to high school who kept me on the right path. Much respect to everyone in the facility who helped me to this point. Big thanks to (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers/recruiting coordinator) coach D.J. Smith for passing down the knowledge and wisdom to not only become a better football player but a man as well. To my teammates... thanks for choosing me to be your captain these past two years. I'm forever indebted to you guys and I'm one call away.
Much love to the founders and kids of the Coyote Hill organization, I will always be a supporter of you guys.
These six years at Mizzou have taught me to be patient and to remember that everyone's journey is different. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft."
