Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos have had their ups and downs over the past decade, but one thing has remained the same—Garett Bolles manning down the left tackle position.
Good morning, Broncos Country.
Over the past decade, the Denver Broncos have had their fair share of ups and downs. Coaching changes, quarterback changes, and a whole lot of losing seasons. For the most part, there hasn’t been much to write home about with respect to our beloved Broncos.
Entering his ninth year in the National Football League, one thing has remained constant for them—veteran offensive tackle Garett Bolles manning down the left tackle position. From the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows, the ebbs and flows of Bolles’ career are similar to the franchise’s journey in that timeframe.
Earning a starting role as a rookie, Bolles struggled with penalties and giving up sacks early on in his career. For many fans across Broncos Country, he was considered one of the team’s weak links and a player that should be replaced. But as the years went on, Bolles improved his craft and has become of the most consistent left tackles in the NFL.
Toward the end of last season, the Broncos rewarded Bolles with a four-year contract extension which will keep him protecting quarterback Bo Nix’s blindside for the foreseeable future. After practice the other day, he reflected on a myriad of topics, including how things have changed over the course of his career and how he has got to where he is at today.
“I think the game has slowed down for me. I just have to stay on my ‘A’ game every single day. There are new guys coming into this league that are freaks of nature. You have Myles Garrett, you have Maxx Crosby, you have all those guys that are just freaks,” stated Bolles.
“I love going against the best of the best. It pushes me to be my best. I think just being calm, watching film, working on my little things and just being disciplined: the way I sleep, the way I train and the way I take care of my body. I’m available every single day,” the ninth-year pro added.
Over the past eight seasons, the team’s elder statesman in their offensive trenches has started 116 games. To date, the former Utah Ute has missed only 14 games—11 of those coming in 2022 after breaking his leg against the Indianapolis Colts. Once considered an absolute wildcard on a weekly basis, Bolles is now one of the franchise’s most reliable and dependable players.
Bolles and his teammates’ performance on the offensive line were a big reason for the Broncos achievements last season. A unit that was considered as a weakness over the past decade has now become a focal point of its identity. In fact, Denver’s 2024 campaign was the first time in Bolles’ career where the team had finished with a winning record since being selected by John Elway as the team’s first-round pick in...
