Anquan Boldin Announces Retirement: 'My Life's Purpose Is Bigger Than Football'

Anquan Boldin calls it a career after 14 years in the NFL.

Anquan Boldin arrives on the red carpet prior to the 6th Annual NFL Honors.
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports/Kevin Jairaj

Anquan Boldin arrives on the red carpet prior to the 6th Annual NFL Honors.

Anquan Boldin has announced his retirement after 14 seasons in the NFL. Boldin's decision to call it quits comes just two weeks after he signed with the Buffalo Bills. 

"Football in its purest form is what we all strive for as a nation," Boldin said in a statement via ESPN's Jim Trotter. "People from all different 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 and not let your fellow man down. You do whatever it takes to make sure your brother is OK."

Boldin will now focus his attention on humanitarian work. "Football has afforded me a platform throughout my career to have a greater impact on my humanitarian work," he adds. "At this time, I feel drawn to make the larger fight for human rights a priority. My life's purpose is bigger than football."

Here's a statement from Bills general manager Brandon Beane in response to Boldin's decision. 

Here's what former Ravens teammate Torrey Smith had to say about Boldin's sudden retirement. 

Boldin will leave the game of football two months away from turning 37. Now, it's onto the next chapter in his life.  

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