Bolles Turns Around After NFL Rookie Struggles
The 34-year-old left tackle has become a cornerstone for the Broncos after hiring a private consultant to fix his pass protection issues.
By Ivan Mori ·
Garrett Bolles nearly walked away from the National Football League after a rough start to his career with the Denver Broncos. Seven years ago, team owner John Elway publicly questioned whether the rookie knew how to avoid holding penalties. Bolles admitted at the time that he felt his time in the league was slipping away.
The criticism was based on tangible numbers. Bolles was flagged for 15 holding penalties as a rookie in 2017 and led the league again with 14 in 2018. Fans at Empower Field frequently chanted his name in frustration. The organization grew impatient, and Elway asked if Bolles understood the rules of the game.
The turning point arrived in 2019 when Bolles hired a private consultant. Bolles declined to name the man, describing him as a longtime league coach and a father figure. The consultant changed how Bolles prepared, altering his note-taking on opposing pass rushers and his pre-snap routines. Bolles also added a trainer, nutritionist, and counselor to his team.
This support system helped Bolles navigate a difficult personal history. He was kicked out of multiple schools in Utah and was arrested for vandalism in 2010. Two months after high school graduation in 2011, his father moved him out of the house. Bolles stayed with his former lacrosse coach before working as a garage door technician and serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Bolles joined Snow College and became the top junior college prospect in 2016. He then transferred to the Utah Utes before the Broncos selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $11.01 million. Since Elway’s public comments, Bolles has averaged three holding penalties per season. He was flagged only twice last year and earned a first-team All-Pro selection.
This season, Bolles has allowed just three pressures in 141 pass-blocking sets, according to Pro Football Focus. He has not surrendered a sack, and quarterback Bo Nix has been hit only once due to pressure from the left side. Next Gen Stats notes Bolles is the only left tackle in the league with three games where he allowed zero pressures. He has pitched shutouts against edge rushers like George Karlaftis and Josh Sweat.
Bolles credits his family for his focus. He spends the first four hours of his evening with his wife, Natalie, and their three children, Kingston, Ariyah, and Zaya Rae. He pictures them taking the snap when he turns his back to the quarterback. Head coach Sean Payton said Bolles’ ability lets the staff change its game plan often. Payton noted that he tells Bolles he has the advantage, and Bolles agrees.
Bolles believes left tackles face a unique challenge compared to right tackles. He argued that he does not have help on both sides. At 34, he is older than most players at his position. Only Trent Williams, 38, is older among the active left tackles. Bolles has allowed fewer pressures this season than other veteran tackles like Dion Dawkins and Ronnie Stanley. He plans to keep playing until his son tells him to stop.
