Broncos Shine at Pro Bowl with Six Selections
On Tuesday, the NFL unveiled the rosters for the 2026 Pro Bowl, and the Denver Broncos made a notable impression with six players earning spots on the AFC squad. This marks the highest number of Broncos selected for the Pro Bowl since 2016, showcasing the team’s resurgence and depth on both sides of the ball.
Balanced Representation on the Roster
The selected players include defensive lineman Zach Allen, left tackle Garett Bolles, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, right guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. This balanced representation of three offensive and three defensive players highlights the Broncos’ well-rounded talent.
For Allen, Bolles, and Meinerz, this recognition is particularly significant as it marks the first Pro Bowl selection of their careers. Despite having previously earned All-Pro honors, they had yet to receive a Pro Bowl nod—until now.
Garett Bolles’ Remarkable Journey
Garett Bolles’ story is one of perseverance and transformation. Once criticized as a penalty magnet, earning the nickname “Garett ‘Holds,'” Bolles has turned his narrative around dramatically. After securing a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020, he has now achieved his first Pro Bowl recognition. Adding to his accolades, Bolles is also in contention for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award, underscoring his evolution into a formidable force on the offensive line.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
For players such as Bolles and Sutton, who have experienced the long drought of losses since the Broncos’ Super Bowl victory, this recognition is a testament to their resilience. Their contributions have been vital in leading the Broncos back to playoff contention in consecutive seasons, bringing a renewed sense of hope to the franchise.
Historic Achievements for Bonitto and Surtain
Nik Bonitto has also made waves, earning Pro Bowl honors in consecutive years. He becomes the fifth Broncos rush linebacker to achieve this feat, joining the ranks of franchise legends like Tom Jackson, DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, and Elvis Dumervil. This recognition not only highlights Bonitto’s talent but also cements his place in the storied history of the Broncos’ defense.
Meanwhile, Patrick Surtain II continues to solidify his legacy. He becomes one of only three Broncos cornerbacks to earn Pro Bowl selections in four consecutive years, joining the elite company of Champ Bailey and Aqib Talib. Surtain’s consistent performance has made him a cornerstone of the Broncos’ secondary.
The 2026 Pro Bowl selections reflect the Broncos’ commitment to excellence and the resurgence of a franchise eager to reclaim its status among the NFL’s elite. As these players prepare to showcase their talents, they carry with them the hopes of a fanbase ready to cheer them on in their quest for glory.
