Former Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin named semifinalist for HOF Class of 2022

Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin has been named one of the 26 modern-era players named a semifinalist for the NFL Hall of Fame’s class of 2022.

In his first year eligible to be a semifinalist, Boldin was named just that after a 14-year career in the league. Joining Boldin as modern-era players to make the cut in their first year of eligibility were wide receivers Steve Smith, Andre Johnson and Devin Hester, as well as defensive lineman Robert Mathis, DeMarcus Ware and Vince Wilfork.

Boldin made a name for himself playing in the Valley after the Cardinals selected him No. 54 overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He would go on to play seven seasons in Arizona, were he surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in every year but two. Boldin would make the Pro Bowl three times during his career, all with the Cardinals.

In 2003 as a rookie, Boldin made an impact from the start with the Cardinals. He caught 101 receptions on the year for 1,377 yards and eight scores, which was good enough to earn him NFL AP Rookie of the Year honors.

Boldin was productive for the Cardinals well beyond his rookie year, going for 1,402 yards in 2005, his highest single-season total during his time in Arizona. In 2008, Boldin hauled in 11 touchdown receptions, which was the most he had during a season in his career.

After his time in Arizona, Boldin spent three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2010-12. After that, he returned to the NFC West division, playing for the San Francisco 49ers from 2013-15, where he had two seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving.

Boldin spent 2016 in Detroit with the Lions, where he would then call it a career after that.

In off the field honors, Boldin was named the 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Boldin finished his career with 202 games played, 1,076 receptions, 13,779 receiving yards and 82 touchdown receptions.

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