As he enters his ninth NFL season, 33-year-old Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles plans to continue playing professionally until he is 39. His focus has shifted toward maintaining his physical health and adopting disciplined habits to prolong his career.
Bolles reflected on the evolution of his playing style, emphasizing precision and technique over raw aggression.
Now I think it’s more sexy to stay in front of somebody and block them with your feet and hands. The reality is, [if] you want to be the best tackle in the league, you talk about some of the greats — that’s what they did. They stayed in front of the guy. They moved their feet and they played a long time.
—Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos LT
He also highlighted the importance of nurturing his body to sustain a lengthy career, comparing it to fueling a high-performance car.
I also think it comes to taking care of your body and knowing what you’re going to put in,
Bolles explained.
You’re not going to put bad gas in a Ferrari or a Lambo. You’re going to put in the best gas. 91, 95 octane. That’s just what it takes. When you get older, you have to focus on the little things. That’s eating right, that’s sleeping right, that’s training and just getting disciplined in everything you do. The game’s the same. The speed’s the same. I’m more confident in that, but when it just comes to taking care of your body and making sure you’re doing everything right, which we do a really good job here, I can play as long as I can.
—Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos LT
Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu Eyes Stardom on Defense Following Mack’s Blueprint
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu is preparing for a full-time starting role this season, setting his sights on matching the impact of veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack. Tuipulotu is determined to establish himself as an elite player alongside Mack rather than being overshadowed.
Regarding his aspirations, Tuipulotu stated,
My standard is to play like Khalil. He is the standard,
and added,
I’m doing my best so there’s no drop off like, ‘Khalil is here, let’s slide to him.’ We got to make it so there’s two elite edge rushers on the side where we could both go and dominate, they don’t know who to slide to or who to double, who to chip. He’s the standard, that’s what I’m chasing.
—Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers LB
He also shared his mindset on consistently performing at a high level, emphasizing the pressure he places on himself every year.
I feel like every year I come into, it has to be a big year,
Tuipulotu said.
That was my mindset coming into last year and it’s going to be the same mindset coming into this year. To be honest, I’ve been starting since my rookie year, last year and if that’s my role this year, it’s going to feel the same.
—Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers LB
Coaches Praise Tuipulotu’s Leadership and Growing Influence
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter commended Tuipulotu’s personality and the positive atmosphere he creates within the team. Minter values how teammates respond to his presence and growing leadership role.
I think he’s got a great personality, he’s got a great vibe to him,
Minter said.
Guys like being around him, guys like talking to him, guys don’t mind when he speaks every once in a while. He’s ascending into that type of role, and ultimately I just want him to be himself. If he’s the best version of himself, we’ll be happy with what we get out of it.
—Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers DC
What This Means for NFL Fans and Upcoming Seasons
Both Bolles and Tuipulotu embody different stages of NFL careers but share a commitment to excellence and longevity. Bolles focuses on sustainable performance through disciplined self-care, illustrating how veteran players adapt to the physical demands of football. Meanwhile, Tuipulotu’s drive to match Khalil Mack’s elite standards represents the rising talent eager to make their mark in the league.
Their developments are significant for Broncos and Chargers fans, signaling strategic player evolutions that could influence team success in the upcoming seasons. As Bolles aims to maintain peak form well into his late 30s and Tuipulotu pursues dominance alongside Mack, both players exemplify the passion and resilience vital to thriving in the NFL.
Our Reader’s Queries
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