Levelle Bailey Bio
Levelle Bailey (born December 4, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs before joining the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 224 pounds, Bailey has built his reputation as a versatile defender capable of contributing in both run support and pass coverage.
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Bailey is of African-American and Tongan heritage. He has six older siblings and majored in kinesiology during his time at Fresno State. After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed with the Broncos and has since bounced between the active roster and the practice squad while continuing to develop his game.
Early Life and Background
Levelle Bailey was born on December 4, 2000, in Sacramento, California. He is the son of Lester Bailey and Diana Tapa. Bailey’s father is African-American, and his mother is from Tonga, giving him a multicultural family background. He grew up alongside six older siblings in the Sacramento area.
Bailey attended Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, where he quickly established himself as a two-sport standout. He was a first-team All-City selection in both football and basketball, demonstrating the athleticism and competitiveness that would later define his career. As a senior football captain, he totaled 81 tackles and 7.0 tackles-for-loss (TFLs), earning second-team all-state honors. Following his high school career, Bailey was invited to the Optimist All-Star Classic game, where he blocked two kicks and further caught the attention of college recruiters. He ultimately committed to play college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs of the Mountain West Conference.
Path to American Football
Bailey’s path to professional football began with his recruitment to Fresno State, where he arrived as a highly regarded high school prospect. As a true freshman in 2019, he started five games and immediately made an impact, recording 30 tackles and six TFLs. The shortened 2020 season saw him start another five games and earn honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference recognition after posting 21 tackles.
Bailey continued to ascend through the Fresno State defense over the following seasons. In 2021, he started 12 games and ranked third on the team with 56 tackles, adding 8.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and six pass breakups while repeating as an honorable mention All-MWC selection. The 2022 campaign saw him start all 14 games and lead the Bulldogs with 88 tackles, earning his third straight honorable mention All-MWC nod. By the time he reached his senior season in 2023, Bailey had become one of the most experienced defenders in the conference.
Levelle Bailey Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Levelle Bailey’s early career at Fresno State was marked by steady development and growing responsibility. Across his first four seasons, he appeared in 44 games and steadily increased his production. His sophomore, junior, and senior campaigns each ended with All-Mountain West Conference recognition, signaling his emergence as one of the conference’s most consistent linebackers.
During this developmental stretch, Bailey refined his skills as a coverage linebacker and run defender. He recorded multiple interceptions in 2021 and continued to log significant tackle numbers in 2022. His ability to play in space and contribute on special teams made him a versatile chess piece for the Fresno State coaching staff.
Fresno State Breakthrough (2023)
Bailey’s senior season in 2023 represented the pinnacle of his college career. Serving as a team captain, he recorded 82 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five TFLs, and three interceptions while earning second-team All-Mountain West honors. His leadership and playmaking ability helped anchor a Fresno State defense that competed for a conference title.
Bailey capped his senior year by leading the Bulldogs to a victory in the 2023 New Mexico Bowl, where he was named the game’s Defensive MVP. His standout performance in the postseason drew the attention of NFL scouts, and he received invitations to both the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl. Bailey finished his Fresno State career having played in 58 games, amassing 277 tackles, 25.5 TFLs, seven sacks, and six interceptions.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–Present)
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Levelle Bailey signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He made an immediate impression during the preseason, returning an interception 94 yards for a touchdown in the Broncos’ finale against the Arizona Cardinals. On August 29, 2024, he was waived after initially making Denver’s 53-man roster, only to be re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
Bailey was promoted to the active roster on October 8, 2024, and continued to develop within Denver’s linebacker room. On August 26, 2025, the Broncos waived him once again, before re-signing him to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated from the practice squad for the Broncos’ Week 1 home opener against the Tennessee Titans in 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bailey’s playing style is built on football intelligence, tackling reliability, and coverage instincts. He excels in zone coverage and has a knack for reading quarterbacks, a skill that has produced multiple interceptions at both the college and professional levels. His special teams background, including kick-blocking experience from high school, gives him added value as a versatile defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Bailey’s signature moments is his 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 2024 preseason, one of the most explosive plays by an undrafted rookie that summer. He was also named the Defensive MVP of the 2023 New Mexico Bowl and earned second-team All-Mountain West recognition in 2023, capping a decorated collegiate career.
Levelle Bailey Career Highlights
Levelle Bailey’s career highlights reflect a steady climb from two-sport high school standout in Sacramento to NFL linebacker. Across his college and professional journey, he has earned All-Mountain West recognition, postseason MVP honors, and a role with the Denver Broncos organization.
Fresno State Highlights
Bailey appeared in 58 games for the Fresno State Bulldogs, recording 277 tackles, 25.5 TFLs, seven sacks, and six interceptions. He was a three-time honorable mention All-Mountain West selection (2020, 2021, 2022) before earning second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2023. He closed his career by leading Fresno State to a win in the 2023 New Mexico Bowl and earning the game’s Defensive MVP award.
Other Wins & Performances
Bailey was invited to the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl following his senior season, two of the premier all-star games for NFL Draft hopefuls. He also participated in the Optimist All-Star Classic in high school, where he blocked two kicks and earned recognition as one of the top prep athletes in the Sacramento region.
Levelle Bailey Family
Family Background and Heritage
Levelle Bailey was raised in Sacramento, California, by his father, Lester Bailey, and his mother, Diana Tapa. His father is African-American, and his mother is from Tonga, giving him a unique multicultural heritage. He grew up with six older siblings, helping shape the toughness and team-first mentality that have defined his football career.
Personal Life
Bailey majored in kinesiology during his time at Fresno State, reflecting a strong interest in athletic performance and physical development. He continues to reside in the United States as he pursues his professional football career with the Denver Broncos.
2025 Season Performance
Levelle Bailey’s 2025 season with the Denver Broncos began with a return to the practice squad. After being waived on August 26, 2025, he was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, and was elevated for Denver’s Week 1 home opener against the Tennessee Titans. His continued presence on the practice squad highlights the Broncos’ confidence in his development as a young linebacker.
As an undrafted player navigating the early stages of his NFL career, Bailey’s path requires patience and persistence. His preseason track record, including a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown, and his leadership pedigree as a former Fresno State team captain provide a strong foundation. The Broncos’ decision to bring him back repeatedly underscores the organization’s belief in his long-term potential.
Looking ahead, Bailey’s primary objective will be to secure a permanent spot on Denver’s 53-man roster and contribute meaningfully on defense and special teams. With the Broncos continuing to invest in his development, the 2025 season represents an important opportunity to establish himself as a reliable depth piece in one of the NFL’s most competitive linebacker rooms.