Anquan Boldin's time in the NFL has reportedly come to a close.
Just two weeks after signing with the Buffalo Bills, the former Raven left the team and decided to call it a career.
"Football has afforded me a platform throughout my career to have a greater impact on my humanitarian work," Boldin said in a statement to ESPN's Jim Trotter. "At this time, I feel drawn to make the larger fight for human rights a priority. My life's purpose is bigger than football."
Boldin, 36, played 14 seasons in the NFL and was a fan favorite during his three years in Baltimore. He played for the Ravens from 2010-12, and was a significant piece in Baltimore winning Super Bowl XLVII.
During quarterback Joe Flacco's historic run in that 2012 postseason, Boldin was his favorite target. He caught 22 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns in the four playoff games. His third-down catch in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl is one of the iconic plays in Ravens franchise history.
The Ravens traded Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers the ensuing offseason as part of an effort to create salary-cap space, and he went on to play for the 49ers and Detroit Lions over the next four seasons.
The Ravens considered a reunion with Boldin this offseason, and Head Coach John Harbaugh said on multiple occasions that he liked the idea of bringing back the hard-nosed receiver. But the Ravens signed veteran Jeremy Maclin in free agency, and Boldin waited until midway through training camp to sign with Buffalo.
He'll now head into retirement with a resume that deserves Hall of Fame consideration. His 1,076 receptions rank ninth in NFL history and his 13,779 receiving yards are 14th all-time.
His 1,076 receptions rank ninth in NFL history and his 13,779 receiving yards are 14th all-time.
