Former 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin announced his retirement on Sunday night, after a Hall-of-Fame caliber 14-year career. The 49ers traded for Boldin during the 2013 offseason, just two months after he helped break San Francisco’s heart in Super Bowl XLVII, catching six passes for 104 yards and a TD as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
Entering his 11th season, many assumed Boldin was past his prime, including Baltimore. He hadn’t had a 1,000 yard season since 2009, and the Ravens had no qualms taking a sixth round pick from the 49ers in exchange for the veteran. It didn’t take long for Boldin to prove this was a big mistake.
Playing with a chip on his shoulder, Boldin became an immediate fan favorite in an explosive debut with San Francisco on September 8.
Facing off against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park, Boldin was unguardable, catching 13 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. Only once in his 14-year career did he gain more yards in a single game.
The performance went down as an impressive first act to another 1,000 yard season, and a 49ers career in which he caught 237 balls for 3,030 yards and 16 touchdowns from 2013-2015.
Since we’re in a reminicing mood, we might as well take a look at Boldin’s entire highlight reel from his time in San Francisco. We miss you Anquan.