In this next weekly segment, if you haven't figured it out already, we will be discussing Arizona Cardinal players. I thought it would be nice to get to know what makes this team go. Many of us know who our players are and what they have done for the team, but we don't really know anything about them. So to kick it off, I'm going to start with one of the more obvious choices. He is the heart and soul of the team, Anquan Boldin.
Anquan Boldin, or "Q", was born out of Pahoke, Florida October 3, 1980. He began his career playing both football and basketball at Pahokee High School. He was the football teams Quarterback and was regarded as one of the most versetile football players in the state. He later earned Florida's Mr Football in 1998. He endured much success with the football program, leading the team to a 10-0 regular season record during his senior year. That year, the team was considered one of the best football teams in the state and usually defeated their opponents by a large margin. In 2007 the Florida High School Association named Anquan to be part of the All-Century Team. He was selected as one of the top 33 players in the 100 year history of Florida's high school football. His story continues during his college career.
Anquan ended up attending Florida State University. While there, he quarterbacked and received for the team, only playing 23 games at wide receiver but still stacking up 118 catches for 1,790 yards and 21 touchdowns. He wasn't flashy or a big name player in college, but was a dependent, solid player for his team. He battled through knee surgies, often playing when others thought he wouldn't be able to(much like he does now). Although he was used to playing quarterback, he decided to continue his career at receiver and was bound for the NFL.
After the NFL Scouting Combine, many thought Anquan was a bit too slow, running a 4.71 speed in the 40-yard dash. Later on, he became the Arizona Cardinal's second overall pick in the 2003 draft ,and he never looked back. His first game as a rookie, he piled up 10 catches for 217 yards(a rookie record for first ever game), and 2 touchdowns. He finished his rookie year earning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making a trip to the Pro Bowl.
After a drama-filled off season in 2008, Anquan requested a new contract. When he didn't get one, he wanted out and demanded to be traded. Although he didn't get a new contract or a trade, Boldin kept to his word and didn't let the issues effect the team or his play. Earlier this season, he was at the end of a devastating blow week 4 at the New York Jets. After the hit, he was required to get surgery done and several screws to be inserted in his face. After a short recovery, he bounced back 3 games later with 2 touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. He has quickly became one of the NFL's toughest players. He is a dominent receiver and more importantly, he is an Arizona Cardinal.
Anquan Boldin's Career Stats
| Receptions | 455 |
| Yards | 5,972 |
| Touchdowns | 37 |
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anquan_Boldin 11/27/08