ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos’ return to the playoffs has been particularly meaningful for long-serving players Garett Bolles and Courtland Sutton, who have experienced their fair share of challenges along the way.
“GB and I are the two longest-tenured players on the team, so we’ve weathered a lot of tough times,” Sutton expressed. “Getting to witness this turnaround and potentially build on the legacy of this season is incredibly exciting.”
The Broncos, who finished the regular season with a 10-7 record, will face off against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in the wild-card round, marking the end of an eight-year playoff absence. Their playoff spot was secured following a dominant 38-0 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs’ reserves.
Reflecting on the journey, Bolles said, “I am thankful for the challenges over these past eight years. They have shaped me and this organization. I’ve witnessed many changes, from coaches to quarterbacks. Being in this moment and helping the franchise reclaim its place in the playoffs as one of the longest-tenured Broncos is indescribable.”
The Broncos are returning to the postseason for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory over Carolina on February 7, 2016. Interestingly, Von Miller, the MVP of that game, now plays for the Bills, where he has recorded six sacks this season at the age of 35.
Bolles and Sutton shared an emotional moment on the sidelines as time expired in the game against the Chiefs.
“GB and I were able to connect on the sidelines as the game came to a close,” Sutton recalled. “He’s faced numerous challenges and injuries, just like I have, but he has an extra year of experience. Seeing the joy in his eyes made me realize how fortunate we are to have a shot in the playoffs. That’s all we can hope for—having an opportunity.”
Both athletes have enjoyed impressive seasons since Sean Payton became the head coach two years ago. Bolles, who recently signed a four-year contract extension worth $82 million, allowed only one sack this season. In contrast, Sutton has seen significant success, catching 18 of his 32 touchdown passes since 2023, including a career-high of 10 last season. This year, he achieved a personal best of 81 receptions for 1,081 yards, the first Broncos receiver to surpass 1,000 yards since he did so in 2019.
What both players humbly missed, however, was the preparation for a playoff game rather than emptying their lockers after the final game of the season.
“It’s difficult to articulate the emotions we are experiencing,” Sutton conveyed. “Being in a position where we can extend our season, even if it’s just week by week, is an incredible feeling. Knowing that we have a shot to create something special and restore the franchise’s standing is truly rewarding.”
Sutton pointed to a wall decorated with large images of newspaper clippings celebrating Miller’s MVP performance in Super Bowl 50.
“When you visualize the incredible history and success this organization has had, it’s striking,” Sutton said. “For the last nine years, we haven’t been fulfilling our end of the commitment on the field. It’s humbling to find ourselves in a position where we can carry on this season’s legacy and potentially contribute a chapter to the wall of past champions.”
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the 13th player to take the helm since Peyton Manning, a Hall of Famer retired shortly after winning Super Bowl 50, shared his joy in witnessing Bolles and Sutton celebrate their playoff qualification.
“That’s essentially what it’s all about,” Nix stated. “Those guys have labored tirelessly; they truly deserve this moment. Their impact has been significant, and we’re fortunate to have them leading us.”
