Buffalo Bills wide receiver Anquan Boldin has announced his retirement from the NFL. In a statement released via Jim Trotter of ESPN, Boldin stated that, “At this time, I feel drawn to make the larger fight for human right a priority. My life’s purpose is bigger than football.” Boldin was set to be a part of the Bills wide receiver corps after signing a contract on August 7th. Boldin concludes what would have been a fifteenth season after having played for the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.
Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin Announces Retirement
Boldin’s full statement on his retirement reads:
“Football in its purest form is what we all strive for as a nation. People from all difference races, religions and backgrounds working together for one shared goal. The core values taught in football are some of the most important you can learn in life. To always be there for the guy next to you and not let your fellow man down. You do whatever it takes to make sure your brother is OK.
Football has afforded me a platform throughout my career to have a greater impact on my humanitarian work. At this time, I feel drawn to make the larger fight for human rights a priority. My life’s purpose is bigger than football.”
36-year-old Boldin ends a stellar career that includes the ninth spot on the all-time career reception list (1,076), 13,779 receiving yards, 83 touchdowns, three Pro-Bowls, and a Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012.
The Buffalo Bills signed Boldin to a one-year contract in hopes of building up what was an otherwise young corps of receivers. The remaining Bills wide receivers include an injured Jordan Matthews and Rod Streater, rookie Zay Jones, Andre Holmes, Brandon Tate, and Philly Brown.
Boldin had been working hard in training camp, but was reserved during the August 17th 20-16 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught one pass for five yards. Tyrod Taylor’s responsibility to help the young corps has just increased without whom would have been their main veteran presence.
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