From Penalties to Pro Bowl: The Redemption of Garett Bolles

When Garett Bolles was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Broncos fans didn’t celebrate — they questioned.
“Was this the right pick?”
“Why him?”
The doubt was loud. The holding penalties came fast and frequent. And for a while, it felt like the critics were right.

But Garett Bolles wasn’t built to fold under pressure.

Instead of walking away…
He doubled down.
Instead of blaming others…
He took responsibility.
Instead of breaking…
He built himself back up.

Behind the scenes, Bolles went to work. Quietly. Relentlessly.
Hours in the film room. Countless reps in practice.
He reshaped not just his technique — he reshaped his mindset.

By 2020, he silenced the doubters and earned something no critic could deny:
️ Second-Team All-Pro honors
A four-year, $68 million extension
Respect from the locker room — and the fanbase

His Message to Broncos Country?

“I heard every word. I saw every tweet. But I never let it define me.”

Garett Bolles became more than just a lineman. He became a symbol of what it means to grow through the struggle.

So next time a rookie stumbles…

Before the criticism comes — remember Garett Bolles.

Because sometimes, the biggest turnarounds come from the loudest doubts.

And sometimes, the most loyal Broncos aren’t the ones who were perfect from the start —
…they’re the ones who refused to quit.