Former Cardinals Anquan Boldin, Dwight Freeney named 2023 HOF semifinalists
Nov 22, 2022, 6:46 PM | Updated: 7:05 pm
Anquan Boldin #81 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 27-23. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images)
Two former Arizona Cardinals players were named as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.
Wideout Anquan Boldin and defensive end Dwight Freeney were named as two of the 28 modern-era semifinalists for the class.
Boldin played 14 seasons in the NFL, seven with the Cardinals. In his career, he made three Pro Bowls and was named the 2003 Offensive Rookie of the Year, all of which was achieved with Arizona.
Over his seven years with the Cardinals, he had 586 catches for 7,520 yards and 44 touchdowns.
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His best season came in 2005 when he hauled in 102 receptions for a career-high 1,402 yards and seven touchdowns. Boldin was also a part of the 2008 Arizona team that had three 1,000-yard receivers in Larry Fitzgerald (1,431), Boldin (1,038 yards) and Steve Breaston (1,006), a feat only done five times ever in NFL history.
Freeney’s stint with Arizona lasted just one season, but his impact as an edge rusher did not go unnoticed.
He played 11 games with Arizona in 2015 and recorded nine tackles, five for loss and nine QB hits.
His career started in Indianapolis in 2002, where he played for 11 years before playing for five different teams to finish his career.
Freeney totaled 125 sacks in 157 games, No. 18 all-time. He added 350 tackles, 148 QB hits, 128 tackles for loss, 47 forced fumbles and four recoveries.
He made seven Pro Bowls, three NFL All-Pro teams and finished top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting two separate times.
The 28 semifinalists include CB Eric Allen, DE Jared Allen, T Willie Anderson, CB/S Ronde Barber, WR Henry Ellard, G Jahri Evans, LB London Fletcher, LB James Harrison, S Rodney Harrison, PR/KR/WR Devin Hester, WR Torry Holt, WR Andre Johnson, CB Albert Lewis, DE/LB Robert Mathis, CB Darrelle Revis, WR Steve Smith Sr., RB Fred Taylor, T Joe Thomas, LB Zach Thomas, WR Hines Ward, LB/DE DeMarcus Ware, RB Ricky Watters, WR Reggie Wayne, DT Vince Wilfork, LB Patrick Willis and S Darren Woodson.
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