Rodney Bailey

Rodney Dwayne Bailey was born on October 7, 1979, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, where he lettered in football. During his high school career, Bailey was recognized as the Cleveland Division I Player of the Year by The Plain Dealer and was a first-team Division I Associated All-State selection. He was also named the Cleveland Touchdown Club player of the year and earned numerous high school All-American honors before graduating in 1997. Bailey then attended Ohio State University, where he was listed among the top 40 high school recruits nationally. He started as a true freshman and completed 34 starts during his college career. In his senior year, he was named co-captain, selected for the all-Big Ten team, and recognized as the team’s defensive player of the year, completing his degree in 3.5 years.

Bailey was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. During his time with the Steelers from 2001 to 2003, he played in all 16 games each season, recording 12 tackles and 2 sacks in 2001, 18 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2002, and 9 tackles and 2 sacks in 2003. In 2004, Bailey signed with the New England Patriots, where he was placed on injured reserve but earned a Super Bowl XXXIX championship ring. He then played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2005, appearing in 8 games with 13 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. Bailey returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2006 season, playing in 12 games. His professional career concluded in 2007 after signing with the Arizona Cardinals, where he transitioned from defensive end to defensive tackle.