Pueblo Chiles and the New Bronco

Garett Bolles’ life story is a wonder. An authentic variation on the extraordinary story of Big Mike Oher recounted in the Academy Award nominated movie, The Blind Side.

But for those of us from Pueblo, Colorado, the highlight in the Sunday Denver Post story by Terry Frei was a brief aside that Bolles considered Pueblo’s welcoming ways and hot chiles as providing some of the important friendships in his life and contributing to his considerable weight. Bolles became a gourmand for Pueblo “sloppers,” the lionized local hamburger with green chiles on it. Pueblo green chiles are nationally recognized as among the best. Whole Foods considers them equal to New Mexico’s Hatch Green Chilies.

“I loved Pueblo,” he said. “They’re great people down there. The food’s outstanding; they put the green chili on the burgers and they smother burritos. Fat food for offensive linemen like me. I loved them; I have so many friends and friendships that always will play a big role in my life.” (Garett Bolles, Denver Post, 4-30-17)

Pueblo is famous for its produce. Ciruli Brothers Produce, known for their Mexico-imported mangoes also at Whole Foods, got their start in Pueblo, Colorado.

Go Broncos.

Garett Bolles and his son, Kingston | Andy Cross/Denver Post