Quinn Meinerz won’t be suiting up for the Pro Bowl Games this year. The Broncos’ standout offensive guard has officially withdrawn from the event, citing personal reasons.
This marks the second straight year Meinerz has opted out of Pro Bowl participation, though the circumstances are different this time around. Last year, he declined the invite because he was selected as an alternate and didn’t feel compelled to attend under those terms. This season, however, Meinerz was named to the original Pro Bowl roster - a well-earned nod after a strong campaign anchoring the Broncos’ offensive line.
Meinerz was a model of consistency throughout the season, playing in every game and providing a steady presence up front. His only hiccup came during the November 6 matchup against the Raiders, when he left the game briefly due to an undiagnosed illness. He later chose not to go into detail about the situation.
Even with Meinerz stepping away from the festivities, the Broncos are still well-represented in San Francisco. Five other Denver players are taking part in the Pro Bowl Games: offensive tackle Garett Bolles, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, defensive lineman Zach Allen, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, and cornerback Pat Surtain II. That’s a solid cross-section of talent from both sides of the ball - a testament to the individual performances that stood out even in a season filled with ups and downs for the team as a whole.
The AFC and NFC squads held their first practice on Sunday, kicking off a week of light-hearted competition and skill showcases. On Tuesday night, the action ramps up with a flag football game and a series of other events designed to highlight the league’s top talent in a more relaxed setting.
While Meinerz won’t be part of the on-field action, his absence doesn’t diminish the impact he had this season. He was a cornerstone of Denver’s offensive front - a player whose physicality and consistency helped set the tone in the trenches. And for the Broncos, seeing five of his teammates take the field in San Francisco is still a strong reflection of the talent that exists on this roster.