Former Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin almost wasn’t a WR

He wanted to switch from quarterback at Florida State to safety.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin was one of the greatest receivers the Arizona Cardinals have had. He almost wasn’t a receiver.

When he was recruited out of Pahokee High School in Florida to Florida State, he was recruited as a quarterback. However, as he revealed in an interview on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, he wasn’t going to be able to play right away because the Seminoles already had Chris Weinke as their starting quarterback.

He approached head coach Bobby Bowden about a position change.

“I just want to get on the field,” Bolden recalled saying. “I don’t care what position I have to play.”

Boldin played safety in high school in addition to quarterback and suggested that he move to safety. Bowden would not allow it, as he wanted Boldin to be able to have the ball in his hands. He gave Boldin the choice between running back and receiver. Boldin chose receiver and the rest is history.

He had never before played the position.

He went on to be drafted by the Cardinals in the second round in 2003. He caught 10 passes for 217 yards in his NFL debut and ended up being the heart and soul of the Cardinals for most of the 2000s.

Boldin is No. 2 in franchise history in receptions, No. 4 in receiving yards and No. 5 in touchdown receptions.

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Ep. 266

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Ep.265

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