How the left tackle balances his roles as a blocker and a mentor

Garett Bolles is a man of many talents. He is the left tackle for the Denver Broncos, one of the best in the league at his position. He is also a mentor for at-risk kids, using his own life story as an inspiration. He is a protector, whether it’s blocking for his quarterback or helping young people overcome their challenges.

Bolles has been with the Broncos since 2017, when he was drafted in the first round out of Utah. He has played through a quarterback carousel, blocking for 13 different starters in his career. He has also dealt with injuries, criticism, and contract uncertainty. But he has never given up on his team or himself.

He signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension in November 2022, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2022 and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2023. He has been praised by his coaches and teammates for his work ethic, leadership, and improvement.

How he overcame a troubled past to become a success story

Bolles knows what it’s like to struggle. He grew up in a dysfunctional family, where he was exposed to drugs, violence, and abuse. He was kicked out of his home at 18, and spent time living on the streets, in motels, and with friends. He was arrested several times, and faced possible jail time.

But he found a second chance when he met Greg and Emily Freeman, who took him in as a foster son. They helped him turn his life around, enrolling him in a high school where he discovered his passion for football. He also met his wife, Natalie, and became a father to their son, Kingston.

Bolles credits his faith, his family, and his football for saving him from a dark path. He has shared his story with many young people who are facing similar situations, hoping to inspire them to make positive changes. He has partnered with various organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, and the Denver Rescue Mission, to provide support and guidance to at-risk kids.

How he balances his roles as a blocker and a mentor

Bolles is dedicated to protecting others. On game days, it’s his quarterback. On any other day, it’s counseling at-risk kids. He says he enjoys both roles, and tries to balance them as best as he can.

He says he loves blocking for his quarterback, whoever it is. He says he respects and supports every decision made by his head coach, Sean Payton, who took over the Broncos in 2022. He says he has a good relationship with Jarrett Stidham, who replaced Russell Wilson as the starter in Week 17 of the 2023 season. He says he trusts Stidham to lead the team to victory.

He also says he loves mentoring at-risk kids, and sees himself in them. He says he wants to give them hope and motivation, and show them that they can overcome any obstacle. He says he shares his personal experiences, his advice, and his resources with them. He says he wants to make a difference in their lives, and in the world.

Bolles is a protector, on and off the field. He is a man of many talents, and many roles. He is a left tackle, a mentor, a husband, a father, and a friend. He is a success story, and a role model. He is Garett Bolles, and he is proud of it.