An Open Letter to Garett Bolles: Questions Heading Into Week 6

Dear Garett Bolles,

The days of hearing the referees announce “Holding, offense, number 72” seem to be long gone, but I remember when even the most loyal members of Broncos Country were calling for you to be replaced. You have truly done a fantastic job of blocking out the noise and weathering the ups and downs of the NFL. Through the first quarter of the 2025 regular season, you have been playing at an All-Pro level. 

You have been the anchor of the Broncos' offensive line for years. Your consistency and leadership through the highs and lows, the rebuilds, and coaching changes have quietly made you the heart of the Broncos’ offense. 

This season, Denver’s offensive line has been lauded as one of the best in the league, and for good reason. They have only allowed five sacks on the year while also paving the way and opening up holes for one of the NFL’s most dynamic rushing attacks. The 130 yards on the ground in Week 5 helped the Broncos establish control and pull off a miraculous comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.

This week, as the Broncos prepare for an overseas matchup in London against the Jets, I would like to ask you some questions that can give Broncos Country a deeper insight into what you represent as a leader, how you’ve overcome obstacles, and your pride in protecting your quarterback and city.

How have you embraced your role as both protector and mentor for Bo Nix?

When Garett Bolles came into the league, he was far from a finished product, yet then Broncos edge rusher Von Miller took him under his wing and became a mentor for the young left tackle. During the years Bolles and Miller were together in Denver, Broncos Country witnessed Miller pour confidence and swagger into Bolles, propelling his development and helping him blossom into one of the leaders of Denver’s offense. Now, Bolles has the chance to pay it forward by protecting and mentoring Bo Nix. 

Have you had a moment of reflection on how far you and the offensive line have come following last week’s comeback against the Eagles? 

You’ve been through multiple coaching staffs in your 9-year career. What’s different about Sean Payton?

In recent years, it seems like Denver has been on the losing side of most tight, one-score games, especially against strong teams. Last week against Philadelphia, they had a different level of confidence and aggressiveness, especially in the fourth quarter. If Sean Payton can carry his team’s momentum into their matchup against the New York Jets in London, the rest of the league will start to take notice. 

Broncos offensive linemen rarely get the recognition they deserve, but Broncos Country has come to love the passion and energy you bring to the field every Sunday. What gives you that extra juice on game day?

How do you balance playing with an edge and staying composed, especially when things get chippy in the trenches?

Plagued by penalties early in his career, Bolles has found a way to play with a fiery passion while also avoiding mental mistakes. His play is a significant factor contributing to Denver’s offensive line ranking as the NFL’s top unit (per Pro Football Focus).

Denver’s running game is starting to ramp up, especially with the dynamic duo of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey emerging as a one-two punch. How does having a dynamic backfield like that change your mindset up front?

As linemen, how do you guys measure your success beyond the stat sheet? 

In the glory days of Mike Shanahan's zone running scheme, offensive linemen like Mark Schlereth and Tom Nalen took immense pride in blocking for Terrell Davis, especially in his 1998 season, in which he rushed for over 2,000 yards. While Dobbins and Harvey are not quite on that level, the increased talent in the backfield should provide a spark for Bolles and company, knowing that their new backs can hit open holes and cut upfield. J.K. Dobbins was the first Broncos running back to reach 100 yards rushing in a single game since 2022, in large part due to the offensive line. 

What does identity mean to you when it comes to this offense? Do you feel like the offense finally has an identity?

The Broncos currently rank fourth in rushing yards per game (per Team Rankings). While Sean Payton can lean towards pass-happy playcalling, Denver might be slowly embracing their ability to run the ball as their primary attack against opposing defenses, especially while Bo Nix continues to settle into the season. 

Garett, your NFL journey mirrors that of the Broncos over the last decade. Your growth through adversity has molded you into not only a great player but a leader. Broncos Country can feel the heart you play with on every snap. As the season continues, the Broncos’ story is dependent on players like you. Men who refuse to quit, play with passion, and believe in something bigger than themselves. 

From a fan who’s watched every snap, thank you for embodying the toughness, loyalty, and heart of Broncos Country.