Tag: Anquan Boldin

Ravens president Dick Cass, LB Patrick Queen and others sign letter of support to end qualified immunity

The Baltimore Ravens are well represented in the letter of more than 1,400 professional athletes and coaches to support the bill.

Several current and former Baltimore Ravens players, including wide receiver Anquan Boldin and linebacker Patrick Queen, have joined support for a federal bill to end qualified immunity for police. In total, over 1,400 current and former professional athletes and coaches from the NFL, MLB, and NBA signed the petition from the Players Coalition to members of the United States Congress.

The request comes as protests continue in major cities around the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody. Though the four officers involved in Floyd’s arrest have been arrested and charged for his death, the matter has sparked civil unrest as protesters seek changes to police policies and funding.

The Ravens are well represented in the letter with a bevy of familiar names, both current and past, adding to the list. In addition to current and former players like Boldin, Queen, Ed Reed and Torrey Smith, Ravens president Dick Cass was among those to add his name to the cause. In total, Baltimore has ties to at least 29 of those mentioned by name in the letter, including the following:

Ravens president Dick Cass
Linebacker Patrick Queen
Defensive back Justin Bethel
Defensive lineman Calais Campbell
Defensive tackle Justin Ellis
Former wide receiver Anquan Boldin
Former quarterback Tony Banks
Former linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo
Former cornerback Gary Baxter
Former safety Terrence Brooks
Former wide receiver Mark Clayton
Former wide receiver Yamon Figurs
Former defensive tackle Dwan Edwards
Former offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor
Former cornerback Corey Ivy
Former fullback Kyle Juszczyk
Former wide receiver Jermaine Lewis
Former fullback Vonta Leach
Former wide receiver Breshad Perriman
Former running back Ray Rice
Former safety Ed Reed
Former defensive lineman Cory Redding
Former wide receiver Torrey Smith
Former wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.
Former linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Former linebacker Adalius Thomas
Former tight end Benjamin Watson
Former safety Anthony Weaver
Former center Jeremy Zuttah

Ending qualified immunity would make it easier for citizens to sue police officers accused of brutality. In the letter, the Players Coalition called on Congress to eliminate qualified immunity so, “when police officers kill an unarmed man, when they beat a woman, or when they shoot a child, the people of this country must have a way to hold them accountable in a court of law.”

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McCutchen, Kerr, Popovich, other pro athletes jointly write op-ed: ‘We need to transform American policing now’

Andrew McCutchen, Steve Kerr, Gregg Popovich, Demario Davis and Anquan Boldin pen op-ed calling for systemic changes to American policing.

Andrew McCutchen, Anquan Boldin, Demario Davis, Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich co-wrote an editorial that appears on USATODAY.com today arguing that the recent deaths of black Americans at the hands of white Americans, including police officers, shows that we need an overhaul of our national policing system.

McCutchen plays baseball for the Phillies. Boldin was an NFL wide receiver for 14 seasons. Davis plays linebackger for the Saints. Kerr and Popovich are the coaches of the NBA’s Warriors and Spurs, respectively.

In the editorial, the five write about the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, who were all killed in the last few months at the hands of white Americans and the police.

They write:

When these killings occur, we tweet, we write letters, we make videos demanding accountability. We protest and we vow to change hearts and minds so that our young men can run through the streets without fear.

And soon after, we see another officer kill a black person, usually a man, and usually without consequence. Where, we wonder, is the “accountability” allegedly so important when it comes to arresting, prosecuting and incarcerating young people of color?

They go on to offer concrete solutions to the problem, including breaking down the power of police unions to protect bad actors, and calling on Congress to end “qualified immunity,” which protects police officers from legal liability.

The entire op-ed is worth a read over at USA TODAY.

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Anquan Boldin draws from experience as Americans protest for justice

What I’m Hearing: USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones recently spoke with Anquan Boldin, whose cousin was killed by a police officer in 2015, about the protests taking place across the country and where people should focus their attention in order to achieve real change.

What I’m Hearing: USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones recently spoke with Anquan Boldin, whose cousin was killed by a police officer in 2015, about the protests taking place across the country and where people should focus their attention in order to achieve real change.

Current, former Cardinals unite in requesting investigation of controversial fatal shooting

The Players Coalition, co-founded by Anquan Boldin, seeks a federal investigation into the death of Ahmaud Arbery.

NFL players often champion causes off the field to attempt to improve lives of those around them. And while sometimes they are criticized for not sticking to their profession in sports, they feel a need to take action and take a stand.

One current Arizona Cardinals player — safety Chris Banjo — and a pair of former Cardinals — Anquan Boldin and Josh McCown — are part of the Players Coalition, co-founded by Boldin, an organization with a goal of making an impact on social justice and racial equality.

In response to the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, the Coalition wrote a letter to US Attorney General William Barr, requesting “a prompt investigation by the FBI and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division in response to the tragic death of Ahmaud Arbery.”

The group of present and past players, coaches and activists includes big names like Tom Brady, Shaun Alexander, Boldin, Malcolm Jenkins and more.

Read the entire letter below.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 266

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Ep.265

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Former 49ers WR Anquan Boldin almost played RB

Anquan Boldin had a choice at Florida State to play wide receiver or running back. He made the right choice.

The 49ers’ most productive wide receiver of the last 10 years nearly played an entirely different position. Anquan Boldin went to Florida State as a quarterback, but desired a position change that dramatically changed his career trajectory.

Boldin joined Arizona Sports 98.7 in Phoenix and told the story of how he became a receiver in college.

Via our friends at Cards Wire:

“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.

While the move benefitted the 49ers during his three-year stint in San Francisco, the team in hindsight probably would’ve preferred he chosen to play running back.

Boldin joined the Cardinals in the NFC West as a second-round pick in 2003. In 14 games against the 49ers, Boldin had 84 receptions for 1,053 yards and seven touchdowns.

He finally left the division in 2010 to join the Ravens, only to wreak havoc on the 49ers again in Super Bowl XLVII. He had six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore’s 34-31 win.

Still, he had three very good years with the 49ers from 2013-15. He caught 237 passes for 3,030 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s also the last 49ers receiver with a 1,000-yard season. The production was nice for a franchise that’s struggled to find good wide receivers over the last several years, but given the damage he inflicted, the 49ers would’ve been better off if he’d chosen to play running back when given the choice.

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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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 266

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Ep.265

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WR Anquan Boldin never saw Cardinals play before being drafted

He took a team he never had even see play to the Super Bowl.

One of the most important players of the 2000s for the Arizona Cardinals was receiver Anquan Boldin. He was a second-round draft pick in 2003 out Florida State.

It was a big change for Boldin, who played in Florida for both high school and college.

In an interview on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, he admitted something surprising.

“I remember being drafted to the Arizona Cardinals and then realizing I had never seen them play on TV,” he said.

Boldin was a big part of taking a moribund franchise and helping lead them to two consecutive division titles and a Super Bowl.

He was known as a fierce competitor. He was highly productive and finished with a 14-year career that included a championship.

He helped put the Cardinals on the map. To go from never having seen them play to leading them to the Super Bowl is a pretty amazing journey.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 266

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Ep.265

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Devin Duvernay has his sights on emulating some Ravens greats

Meet one of the newest Baltimore Ravens, wide receiver Devin Duvernay

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After being taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, wide receiver Devin Duvernay was quick to establish what he will bring to the organization.

“I bring versatility, toughness, physicality, being able to not just go deep but go short, take it the distance, be involved in the screen game and with blocking,” Duvernay said at his introductory press conference. “I’ll kind of be an all-around player. I’m super excited.”

Duvernay thought he and the Ravens would be a “great fit” during the pre-draft process. He was thrilled to be compared to some past Ravens greats like Anquan Boldin and Derek Mason, but especially Steve Smith.

“Those are some great players, especially Steve Smith Sr,” Duvernay continued. “I grew up watching him and loved his game. He was kind of somebody I loved watching and wanted to be like – playing with that chip on my shoulder. It means a lot to get a comparison like that. I just have to keep working, continue to get better, and maybe I can be like them one day.”

If Duvernay wants to be considered one of Baltimore’s great wide receivers, it wouldn’t take much to make the top of the list. The Ravens have struggled to draft and develop receivers over the years. Torrey Smith has been their best homegrown talent, putting up 3,591 receiving yards and 30 receiving touchdowns over four years before leaving in free agency.

Steve Smith Sr. was with Baltimore for three seasons, though his second year saw him head to injured reserve after seven games due to an Achilles tear. But over 37 games with the Ravens, Smith caught 195 balls for 2,534 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. Despite his limited tenure in Baltimore, Smith is ranked 10th on the Ravens’ franchise receiving yards list, putting up the second-highest receiving yards-per-game average in franchise history.

Baltimore hopes to have ended their wide receiver woes and have some promising players on the roster now in addition to Duvernay. The Ravens’ first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Marquise Brown, had an outstanding rookie campaign even with injuries slowing him down. Miles Boykin, a third-round pick last year, showed flashes throughout the season.

If Duvernay continues to have the drive of Smith, it seems like a matter of time before he becomes one of Baltimore’s top options.

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Ravens haven’t been afraid of slow WRs in the past

Of the few wide receivers who have run slowly at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Baltimore Ravens have employed a surprising number.

It’s no secret the Baltimore Ravens have struggled to find and develop wide receivers over the last 25 years. From not spending picks early in drafts to first-round busts and signing players past their prime, Baltimore just hasn’t done well at the position overall. Though the Ravens seem to be changing their luck, seeing Marquise Brown do well in his rookie campaign, it’s an issue that will continue to haunt the team until they have sustained success there.

Looking back over the last 19 years, there’s a bit of a pattern that emerges — Baltimore isn’t exactly afraid of slow wide receivers. Though there are very few wide receivers who have run a 4.61-second 40-yard dash or slower at the NFL Scouting Combine, quite a number of them have ended up on the Ravens’ roster.

Of the 24 wide receivers Baltimore has drafted since 2000, two of them are on this list — Tandon Doss and Ron Johnson. Another, Marlon Brown, was signed as an undrafted free agent. The Ravens have brought in another four via free agency or trade — Anquan Boldin, Vince Mayle, Willie Snead and Ryan Grant (a failed physical voided the signing). Considering seven of the 157 receivers on this list are entering the 2020 NFL Draft and a bunch more never even made it to the NFL, that’s a considerable number for Baltimore to have brought on board.

While speed is just one factor that makes a successful wide receiver, it’s clear it’s a pretty important one overall. Of the players on this list, far more have never played a snap in the NFL than had even average careers. Further, only Boldin, Jarvis Landry, Cooper Cupp and Koren Robinson have what could be considered above-average careers to date.

As the Ravens look to the 2020 NFL Draft to potentially address their need at wide receiver, it’s something they should keep in mind. With general manager Eric DeCosta saying there are only 25 “draftable” wide receivers in this class, it might point to Baltimore having learned their lesson.

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History shows Kyler Murray’s Rookie of the Year award is great and sad

Both other winners of the award in Cardinals history are all-time greats but also were traded and won a title elsewhere.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press last week, becoming only the third player in Cardinals history to receive the honor.

His season was fantastic. He set all sorts of team rookie records and did things rarely done at his position as a rookie.

He was only the second rookie in NFL history to pass for at least 3,500 yards and rush for at least 500 more.

He joins receiver Anquan Boldin (2003) and running back Ottis Anderson (1979) as the only players in franchise history to win it.

And if history is any predictor of future success, the future looks bright for the Cardinals and Murray.

Anderson, who rushed for 1,605 yards as a rookie, is the team’s all-time record holder for rushing yards with 7,999. He holds the four best single-season rushing totals in franchise history and five of the top seven.

Boldin, as a rookie, tied the franchise single-season record for receptions with 101. He is second all-time in franchise history in receptions and fourth in receiving yards. He was the heart and soul of the Cardinals offense.

Both Boldin and Anderson are all-time franchise greats.

That suggests that Murray should be able to become one as well. He is well on his way, as his rookie season was the eighth-best single-season passing total in team history.

However, there is one thing in the history of these players that could be concerning.

Both Boldin and Anderson were traded away and won championships with other teams.

Anderson was traded to the New York Giants in 1986, the season when they won it all. He was the Super Bowl MVP in 1990.

Boldin won the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens after he was traded in 2010.

So history suggests Murray will be great, but might get traded away and win a title with another team.

Let’s hope that part doesn’t repeat itself.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 257

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Ep. 256

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