Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin unexpectedly announced his retirement Sunday evening after spending two weeks with the Buffalo Bills. Boldin released a statement to Jim Trotter in which he said that he feels, “drawn to make the larger fight for human rights a priority,” and, “[m]y life’s purposes is bigger than football.”
Statement from Anquan Boldin on his decision to retire: pic.twitter.com/z19jekK33R
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) August 21, 2017
On Monday, Boldin was on SiriusXM NFL Radio and offered some additional thoughts to Ross Tucker. People have said he left because the Bills might stink, and if he were with a contender, his tune would be different. His comments to Tucker would suggest otherwise.
"Seeing things transpire over last week or so ... there are things bigger than football." Boldin talking Charlottesville, not Bills moves.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) August 21, 2017
"I'm uncomfortable with how divided we are as a country. This is not a fly by night decision. It's something I want to dedicate my life to."
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) August 21, 2017
I asked Boldin if any chance he'd sign later in season for a contender. "No. I'm done with the sport of football. My passion is elsewhere."
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) August 21, 2017
Boldin has been significantly active off the field, and earned the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award two years ago. He has worked on a variety of causes, including education, water issues in Africa, and plenty more. He has been vocal since his cousin was killed by police in Florida, and I imagine that will be an area he is focusing on. I am fascinated to see what is next for Anquan Boldin.