Troy Renck: Broncos' Garett Bolles is man of the people, whether honoring military veterans or changing tires

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - There is no blindside with Garett Bolles. Or blind spot. He cares about everything. And everyone. Kindness runs through his veins.

"My mom always taught me," Bolles said, "love God, love people."

Bolles' compassion and respect for others brought him to the USAA office on Saturday. The organization hosted 52 veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars to prepare for Honor Fight No. 22. The all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., on May 18 is an opportunity to visit their memorials, fostering camaraderie, and, in some cases, helping with closure.

Bolles wanted them know that their service is appreciated.

"This is what life is all about. Hearing their stories, cheering for them. They are the real heroes," said Bolles, who has long studied military history. "I just put a football uniform and helmet on, and fans watch me. But these are the people we have to love and support. We cannot ever forget them. And what they have done for us."

For Bolles, the event was personal. Roughly two months ago, his grandfather Ralph Freeman passed away. He served in the Korean War, according to Bolles. The gravity of what that meant hit Bolles hard at his funeral.

"They did the (rifle) salute. And when my grandma (Bonnie) received the flag, tears were coming down my face," Bolles said. "What an emotional moment that was for my family. It made me appreciate the veterans even more, for what they are going through, for what they have gone through, and what their families have gone through."

The stories the veterans shared Saturday brought joy and pain. While their pride was tangible, it could not mask, with some, their declining health. The honor flight offers a chance to connect to the past.

"I am a Broncos fan. For Garett to be here and show his support really means a lot," said William Rose, who joined the Navy in 1964 straight out of high school in South Dakota and served 20 years, including as one of the early soldiers in Vietnam. "This is fantastic."

Bolles, 33, struck an imposing figure as he walked through the lunch room, stopping at every table. He asked questions. Took pictures. And listened. Most times, he never mentioned he played for the Broncos, though his 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame gave him away.

Again, this event was not about him. It was about them.

"A lot are Broncos fans, but I wanted to hear from them, hear how they are doing," Bolles said. "This is about them getting the credit they deserve because they are truly amazing."

The same can be said about the Broncos All-Pro left tackle.

No Denver athlete has gone through such a remarkable transformation as the former first-round pick. Once booed so loudly, his wife Natalie struggled to attend his games. She helped guide his story of redemption.

Now, Bolles is adored by Broncos Country because of his ability, loyalty and toughness.

But more than anything, Bolles is authentic in a world that is disconnected by social media and polarized by politics. He does things for people because it is the right thing to do.

Which brings us back to a viral TikTok video from a few weeks ago. As Bolles drove down the interstate he noticed a car on the side of the road.

"I just had a feeling," Bolles said Saturday, "that I needed to stop."

A few minutes later, Bolles was sitting on the ground changing a flat tire as a teenage boy looked on and vehicles zoomed past them. The boy and his mother did not speak English. But Bolles was able to work through it with the help of technology.

"It was a Spanish family. I didn't know Spanish, but thanks to Apple the new Airpods translated. It was really cool. The kid was around 14, maybe 16. Not sure if he has a father in his life. But to learn how to change a tire is what a man should always teach his son," Bolles said. "I taught my son Kingston to change a tire. He's 9. He knows what when I am gone his job is to protect the household. I just wanted to show the kid so the next time it happens, he can do it."

Bolles admitted that it is not the first time he has changed a stranger's tire. He was a little sheepish talking about it because it "wasn't something where I wanted people to look at me." The family was grateful, and posted the video on social media. They even offered to pay Bolles.

"Obviously, I didn't take it. They are so sweet," Bolles said. "I hope for nothing but the best for them."

Bolles has hit his stride off the field, twice nominated as the Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his work in the community.

He aims to reach his peak on it. His improvement has been staggering. His ninth season represented his best. He earned first-team All-Pro honors, and was a finalist for the NFL's Protector of the Year award.

"I am going into year 10. I love being a Denver Bronco. This is family. I love being here in this community. I am going into a system that I am familiar with," Bolles said. "I am excited. The sky is the limit for this team. I am looking forward to see what happens."

Just like that Bolles was whisked away. He had hands to shake, smiles to make and kindness to spread.

"My grandpa was such a huge supporter of mine. I loved him dearly. I know he's still looking down on me everyday," Bolles said. "It is an honor to be here with these veterans. I know this is where he would want me to be."

____

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 5:44 AM.