NFL Star Honors Veterans Before Memorial Day

Garett Bolles wanted to make this Memorial Day count in a way his grandfather would have loved.

The Denver Broncos offensive lineman partnered with USAA in Colorado Springs this month to honor over 50 local veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Most of them had never visited the nation's capital. This weekend, they'll finally make the trip to see the monuments built in their honor.

For Bolles, the timing was deeply personal. His grandfather, who fought in the Korean War, died earlier this year. This marked the first Memorial Day without him.

"I told every single one of them as I shook their hand that they're the real heroes," Bolles told Fox News Digital. "I just wear a helmet and a jersey and they cheer me on, but those are the people that really make a difference in our world."

The 6'5", 300-pound lineman spent hours with each veteran, listening to their stories and thanking them for their service. He calls himself a history nerd who dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL growing up.

What struck him most was discovering their backgrounds. Many came from broken families, single-parent homes, or foster care, just like him.

"These people are part of our history," an emotional Bolles said. "These people are part of who we are and how we can wake up every day and see blue skies."

Why This Inspires

Bolles could have spent his offseason training or relaxing after his first All-Pro season. Instead, he chose to give these veterans something many had never received: recognition and gratitude before their historic journey.

His message resonates beyond football. He believes Americans have lost track of what matters, distracted by what he calls "toxic stuff" in the world today.

The connection between military service and team brotherhood isn't lost on Bolles. After seven losing seasons to start his career, he finally tasted success last year when the Broncos reached the AFC Championship game.

"The Denver Broncos are full of winners," he said. "We have a culture that's really hard to beat."

Just like the veterans he honored, Bolles understands that real victory comes from sacrifice, brotherhood, and never giving up on your mission.