From Punching Bag to Pro Bowl Playmaker: Garett Bolles’ Remarkable Rise
Garett Bolles isn’t just a Pro Bowler now - he’s a walking redemption arc. Once a lightning rod for criticism in Denver, the veteran offensive tackle has flipped the script on his career in a way few saw coming. And after a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him earn All-Pro consideration and his first Pro Bowl nod, Bolles is no longer just surviving in the NFL - he’s thriving.
Let’s rewind for a second. When Bolles was taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the physical tools were obvious.
But so were the growing pains. Holding penalties piled up, and with the Broncos mired in a long stretch of losing football, every misstep felt magnified.
His rawness and emotional fire - while part of what made him intriguing - also drew scrutiny. For years, Bolles was more known for yellow flags than pancake blocks.
Fast forward to now, and you’re looking at one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent franchise history. In 2025, Bolles anchored a young, ascending Denver offensive line and helped fuel a resurgence that had the Broncos flirting with serious postseason aspirations. He played with poise, power, and consistency - the kind of performance that gets you Pro Bowl invites and All-Pro buzz.
And once he got to the Pro Bowl Games? Bolles didn’t just show up - he showed out.
Big Man, Bigger Moment
Tuesday night’s Pro Bowl finale turned into a showcase for Bolles, who looked more like a tight end than a left tackle. He hauled in three catches during the game - not exactly a stat line you expect from a guy who usually lives in the trenches.
The first was a two-point conversion grab in the first quarter that unfortunately got wiped out by an illegal forward pass. No matter - Bolles wasn’t done.
In the second quarter, he snagged a touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders, drawing roars from the crowd. And then, just for good measure, he capped his night with a one-point conversion catch from Joe Burrow.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a big man getting lucky. Bolles ran clean routes, showed soft hands, and looked like he belonged out there among the league’s top skill players. It was the kind of performance that makes you wonder if Sean Payton might dial up a tackle-eligible play or two next season.
Bolles himself was loving every second of it.
“I’m going to score four tuddies today, you know?” he joked on the sideline.
“I just want to put on a fun show for all the fans out here. It’s fun that a big man can go catch.
I want to show people that we’re athletic and can do everything a receiver can do.”
That joy? It wasn’t just for the cameras. This was a player who’s been through the fire and come out stronger, finally getting to enjoy the spotlight on his own terms.
A Moment That Meant More
Bolles wasn’t alone in expressing some bittersweet feelings during Pro Bowl week. Several Broncos players, including Courtland Sutton and Patrick Surtain II, voiced their disappointment about not playing in the Super Bowl.
And rightfully so - this Denver team had the pieces to make a deep run. But instead of sulking, they embraced the Pro Bowl as a celebration of how far they’ve come.
And no one seemed to soak it in more than Bolles.
He’d already turned heads during the week’s practices with his athleticism, and his game-day performance was the exclamation point. Sutton nearly added a highlight of his own with a diving attempt near the pylon, but it was Bolles who stole the show.
For Broncos fans who stuck with him through the ups and downs, this felt like a full-circle moment. For Bolles, it was validation - a reward for years of hard work, resilience, and belief in himself when few others did.
What Comes Next?
Could we see Bolles lining up as a red-zone target next season? Who knows. But what we do know is that he’s earned every bit of recognition he’s getting right now.
This Pro Bowl moment wasn’t just a fun side note - it was the culmination of a journey. From penalty-prone project to Pro Bowl playmaker, Garett Bolles has become a symbol of perseverance in Denver. And if his performance this week is any indication, he’s not done surprising us yet.