Horse Tracks: Entering ninth season with the Broncos, Garett Bolles reflects on NFL journey

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 2017.

Toward the end of his post-practice press conference, Bolles reflected on how his passion and mindset have changed over the years to help make that success possible.

“I think my passion at a young age, I just wanted to put everyone in the dirt all the time. Now I think it’s more sexy to stay in front of somebody and block them with your feet and hands. The reality is if you want to be the best tackle in the league, you talk about some of the greats—that’s what they did. They stayed in front of the guy. They moved their feet, and they played a long time,” acknowledged Bolles.

Focusing on technique and footwork aspect of playing tackle has certainly paid off for the long-time veteran offensive tackle. Once one of his biggest weaknesses, his refinement in that those areas have helped him lessen his sack count considerably. For perspective, Bolles allowed 8.5 sacks during his rookie campaign. Over the past four seasons, he has only been credited with seven. Though Bolles would mentioned other particulars off of the field that have helped him keep his game sharp on the field.

“When you get older, you have to focus on the little things. That’s eating right, that’s sleeping right, that’s training and just getting disciplined in everything you do. The game’s the same. The speed’s the same. I’m more confident in that, but when it just comes to taking care of your body and making sure you’re doing everything right, which we do a really good job here, I can play as long as I can,” said Bolles.

After eight long seasons in the NFL, Bolles finally knows what it’s like to make the playoffs. In his presser, he credited Head Coach Sean Payton and the staff for being a difference maker in winning close games and being able to generate winning streaks. Two areas the Broncos struggled with mightily before he took over the reins.

The upcoming 2025 campaign is certainly the most anticipated in recent memory. In order to continue their winning ways and forgo becoming a flash in the pan, the play and leadership of veterans like Bolles will be critical to the team reaching their goals.

As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.

Broncos News & Tidbits

Mile High Morning: After impactful first season in Denver, S Brandon Jones looking for continued growth in Year 2 with Broncos
“You get in trouble as soon as you get complacent,” Jones said of Denver’s defense. “I think we are going to be as good as we want to be, and the sky is the limit.”

Denver Broncos: LB Milo Eifler trying out at minicamp
The Broncos are giving veteran LB Milo Eifler a tryout at minicamp.

Broncos’ Bo Nix mixes it up with defenders at minicamp on red zone day
At Broncos minicamp practice on Tuesday, Bo Nix mixed it up with defensive players on a red zone-heavy day.

NFL QB Rankings: Bo Nix being disrespected, but analysts may not have watched Broncos
In recent NFL QB rankings, Bo Nix has been disrespected with a low number. Will he surprise them in 2025?

NFL News & Tidbits

NFL’s top 10 offenses in 2025? Bills, Bucs, Ravens headline my projection; Broncos coming in HOT
Which NFL teams are poised to light up the scoreboard in the coming season? Gennaro Filice predicts the top 10 offenses in 2025.

2025 NFL MVP dark horses: Ja’Marr Chase, Travis Hunter, Baker Mayfield among potential candidates
Could Jordan Love or Justin Herbert win the NFL’s top individual award? Might Ja’Marr Chase or Travis Hunter steal the spotlight that’s typically reserved for quarterbacks? Judy Battista identifies 10 dark-horse MVP candidates for the 2025 NFL season.

Quarterback questions for 32 NFL teams: Contracts, QB1 races
Will Philly’s coordinator swap impact Jalen Hurts? Are Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels headed for big years? Could Lamar Jackson get another big payday?

Saquon hurdles over Mahomes to lead merch sales for last season
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley hurdled to the top of the NFL’s year-end list for retail sales, the NFLPA announced Wednesday.