Lizzy, a patient at Children’s Hospital Colorado, had the opportunity to serve as a Kid Correspondent and interview Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles at the team’s practice facility. Accompanied by her father, Lizzy toured areas including the locker rooms, café, meeting rooms, and viewed the team’s Super Bowl trophies before sitting down with Bolles for an interview.
During their conversation, Lizzy asked Bolles what advice he would give to children pursuing their dreams. Bolles responded: “Number one, I would tell them to never let anyone tell you that you can’t become something special. When I was a kid, everyone used to tell me that because I had a learning disability and struggled in school, I wasn’t going to make it. People told me life would be better without me. But one thing I learned is you have to believe in yourself. That’s the most important thing. If you believe in yourself and believe you can achieve something special, then you can do it. I used to tell people I was going to make it to the NFL, and they laughed at me. I took that as fuel, put it in the back of my head, and let that fire burn. That continues to motivate me. When I step on the field every Sunday or any time we play a game, I play for all those kids who want to live their dream. It gives me motivation to live mine because I want every kid — including you — to live theirs.”
When asked about his position on the team, Bolles said: “What do I love about my position? Number one, I protect Bo Nix. … Playing left tackle, I love being in the limelight. I like going against the best of the best. When I cross those lines, I can just be myself. … I can just play ball and go into my zone. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Bolles also discussed what he might do if he were not playing football: “If I wasn’t a football player, I’d probably be a lacrosse player. Lacrosse is my favorite sport besides football. Either that or a motivational speaker or someone who works with kids.”
Addressing how he handles losses on the field, Bolles said: “One thing about me — I hate to lose. It’s the worst. But being around my family helps. When I go home, no matter what people say online or in the media, my kids still think I’m a superhero. They run to me, hug me and that makes me feel better.”
Reflecting on memorable games from his career so far, Bolles shared: “The most exciting game I’ve ever played was last year when we beat the Chiefs and clinched the playoffs. That was incredible. I also loved going against Myles Garrett on ‘Monday Night Football’ when Bo Nix threw that 93-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims. That was pretty cool.”
Bolles spoke about his upbringing: “I’m adopted, which is a big part of my story. I grew up with a single parent. My dad was in the military and my mom wasn’t really in the picture. Life wasn’t easy. I was angry and fought a lot. When my lacrosse coach’s family adopted me, they taught me about love — how to love and care for people and be appreciative. Now, I truly love everybody. You never know when you’ll see someone again, and showing love can make someone feel special. Everyone has something to give.”
He started playing football in fourth grade and joked with Lizzy about joining him on the field.
When asked about his favorite teammate over his career so far Bolles named several former Broncos players: “My favorite teammate ever? Von Miller.” He added: “He taught me how to be the best left tackle and how to love the game.” He also mentioned Demaryius Thomas as “a great friend” who was always kind and smiling; Derek Wolfe as well.
On having super fans at home supporting him during games Bolles replied: “Who’s my super fan? Probably my wife.” He continued: “She screams at the TV when I play.” He called her his “ride-or-die.”
Explaining why he wears number 72 for Denver instead of 74 (which he wore previously), Bolles said: “I wore number 74 in junior college because of Michael Oher — his story was similar to mine.” He added: “But when I went to Utah 74 was taken so chose 72 make own legacy.” He called it now his signature number.
Bolles confirmed that his family attends every home game except one missed by his mother due only once due church assignment.
Lizzy concluded her experience by saying she enjoyed both touring Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit and speaking with Garett Bolles.
