Pat Surtain II and Garett Bolles heap praise on Bo Nix after latest disrespect

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II and left tackle Garett Bolles are two of the best in the game.

So when they speak, fans should listen.

Surtain and Bolles took the podium after practice on Tuesday and heaped praise on Broncos QB Bo Nix. It comes on a day in which Nix was left off ESPN’s top-100 players entering the 2026 season.

“I just think his cerebral approach to the game is off the charts. I always say he’s so poised, but like he’s always had that calm demeanor, going into his third year,” Surtain said.

Nix has led the Broncos to the playoffs each of his first two seasons, including a 14-3 campaign a year ago. Denver reached the AFC Title Game, but Nix broke his ankle against the Bills. He had two offseason surgeries and looks completely ready to go after a solid outing in the preseason.

“Calm, composed like he always is. He’s never changed from the minute he stepped into this building to the way he is right now. Just the way that he attacks everything, his rehab, his composure, his mental, all of the above. The dude is just ready to rock and roll,” Bolles said.

And while the Nix disrespect continues around the NFL, Surtain knows what he brings to the locker room and in the building.

“Bringing all the guys together offensively, and just being a tremendous leader on the team. And you know he’s got that dog attitude towards him and that’s what you want in a quarterback,” Surtain said.

That “dog” attitude has led to Sean Payton defending Nix after some inaccurate takes about his ability to throw the deep ball were made on a national show. For Bolles, he loves being one of the five guys tasked with keeping Nix upright.

“To protect him and to be in the huddle with him is tremendous. I’m super grateful for him and all he does to bring to this organization,” Bolles said. “We give him time the way that we know we can, the sky’s the limit for him. I think he loves being the underdog, I think he takes pride in that.”

Entering the 2026 season, Nix is an underdog as well as the Broncos. Despite being one step short of the Super Bowl last year, their odds aren’t among the top in the league to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

But at the end of the day, none of that matters. It’s all about what happens on the field. And Surtain and Bolles are thrilled that Nix is Denver’s quarterback.

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