Former Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin is retiring, to fight for human rights
Former Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, who was in camp with the Buffalo Bills, will call it a career after 14 NFL seasons.
Buffalo Bills' Anquan Boldin warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Former Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin will call it a career after 14 NFL seasons, ESPN’s Jim Trotter first reported.
In a statement, Boldin said he wanted to commit his time to humanitarian work and fight for human rights. He added that his “life’s purpose is bigger than football.”
Statement from Anquan Boldin on his decision to retire: pic.twitter.com/z19jekK33R
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) August 21, 2017
The news comes as a surprise and three days after Boldin caught a pass for the Buffalo Bills in the team’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Boldin, the 54th overall pick by the Cardinals in the 2003 NFL Draft, is second in Arizona’s record book with 586 receptions, behind Larry Fitzgerald’s 1,125.
Additionally, Boldin is fourth in franchise history with 7,520 receiving yards and holds the second spot for most receiving yards in a single game with 217 yards against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7, 2003 — his first NFL game.
The 2003 Offensive Rookie of the Year — he still holds the NFL rookie record with 101 receptions that season — three-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion also won the 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
He is ninth in NFL history in total receptions (1,076) and 14th in receiving yards (13,779).
The 36-year-old spent the first seven years of his professional career suiting up for the Cardinals. He then joined the Baltimore Ravens from 2010-12 before playing for the San Francisco 49ers in 2013-15. Boldin played with the Lions last year.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke, Boldin recorded 3,495 yards after the catch. That ranks third, behind Wes Welker and Fitzgerald.
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Comments
7 Comments
As much as I applaud his decision,
wondering if this has to do with the uncertainty at QB for Buffalo..
In any case best of luck Q.. You will forever be a beloved Cardinal!
Not sure he'd take it, but would be a class move for the Cardinals to offer him a 1 day contract to retire a red bird. Enjoy your retirement and cheers to big things off the field, Q.
After watching Anquan being interviewed, you have to applaud his decision...This is a 36 year old man that understands that football is not his passion any longer and being a person that wants to serve humanity is what he desires to do now. He decided that he didn't want to steal money from the Bills if his heart wasn't in it. This man will succeed in any endeavor that he chooses as he goes forward!