ENGLEWOOD — Garett Bolles recalled a conversation from years ago that is coming full circle in 2025.

“Being the old guy, it feels weird,” the ninth-year offensive lineman said Tuesday after a mandatory minicamp practice at Broncos Park. “I remember a couple years ago when I was talking to Von (Miller), and we discussed me being here a long time. … I’m just super grateful.”

Bolles, 33, is the longest-tenured Broncos player this season and has been the team’s starting left tackle for the past eight years. He signed a four-year, $82-million extension in December to continue his role as key protector for young quarterback Bo Nix.

“I think the game has slowed down for me,” Bolles said. “I just have to stay on my ‘A’ game every single day. There are new guys coming into this league that are freaks of nature. You have (Browns DE) Myles Garrett, you have (Raiders DE) Maxx Crosby (and) all those guys that are just freaks. I love going against the best of the best. It pushes me to be my best.”

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Bolles also gets sharpened in practice playing across from teammates like Nik Bonitto on defense. The fourth-year outside linebacker exploded last season with 13.5 sacks. Bolles is not surprised.

“(Bonitto) doesn’t give up,” Bolles said. “It’s a special talent to be able to time up a snap count and be able to jump it. It scares tackles. I get to go up against that every single day. … He’s so smooth with it. He can bend (and) he can rip. He has power. It’s just really cool to see him grow up and become something that tackles fear, and teams have to prepare for him.

“I’m proud of him, and I love him dearly.”

Bolles has equal confidence in Nix entering his second year as a starting NFL quarterback.

“He’s the type of person that knows what he believes and what he stands up to believe in,” Bolles said of Nix. “He’s never going to (change) that. I think that’s what separates him from everybody else, is who he is as a person. The demeanor and the work ethic he has is what separates him.”

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Bolles reflected on the personal and professional growth that’s allowed him to continue playing for almost a decade with the Broncos.

“I just wanted to put everyone in the dirt all the time. Now, I think it’s more sexy to stay in front of somebody and block them with your feet and hands,” Bolles said. “I also think it comes to taking care of your body and knowing what you’re going to put in. You’re not going to put bad gas in a Ferrari or a Lambo. You’re going to put in the best gas.”