LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — American Anquan Boldin announced his retirement from the National Football League on Sunday, less than two weeks after signing with the Buffalo Bills.
The 36-year-old wide receiver played 14 seasons in the NFL, ranking ninth all-time in receptions (1,076) and 14th in receiving yards (13,779). He had 82 receiving touchdowns and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 season.
Boldin’s retirement came as a surprise because on August 7 he signed a one-year contract with the Bills.
“Football has afforded me a platform throughout my career to have a greater impact on my humanitarian work, and at this time I feel drawn to make the larger fight for human rights a priority,” Boldin said. “My life’s purpose is bigger than football.”
In 2004 he founded the Florida-based Anquan Boldin Foundation, which “is dedicated to expanding the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children,” according to its website.
Boldin began his career with the Arizona Cardinals as a 2003 second-round draft pick out of Florida State.
He played seven years with the Cardinals and appeared in the 2008 season Super Bowl, with Arizona losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He moved on to Baltimore in 2010 and spent three years there.
© Agence France-Presse
