Anquan Boldin and Cardinals Heal Relationship

Retired wide receiver says he's in 'good place' with team that drafted him

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Retired NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2003 to 2009, says his relationship with the team has improved in recent years. Boldin was upset with the team over contract issues in 2008, but the two sides have since reconciled, with Boldin visiting a Cardinals game last season and working with team owner Michael Bidwill on the NFL's Social Justice Committee.

Why it matters

Boldin was a key part of the Cardinals' most successful seasons, including a Super Bowl run, and his relationship with the team had been strained in the past. The healing of this relationship highlights the ability for professional sports organizations and players to move past previous conflicts and work together, especially on important social issues.

The details

Boldin's relationship with the Cardinals soured in 2008 over contract issues, but he continued to play at a high level for the team. After being traded to the Ravens in 2010, Boldin spent time reflecting on his time in Arizona and was able to gain closure. Now, the two sides have reconciled, with Boldin visiting a Cardinals game last season and working closely with team owner Michael Bidwill on the NFL's Social Justice Committee.

  • In 2008, Boldin's jaw was shattered on an end zone hit, but he returned to play just a couple weeks later.
  • Boldin was traded from the Cardinals to the Ravens in 2010.
  • Boldin visited a Cardinals home game during the 2022 season and sat with Bidwill.
  • Last week, Boldin's Sport For Impact organization gave an award to the Cardinals and Bidwill.

The players

Anquan Boldin

A retired NFL wide receiver who played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2003 to 2009 and was a key part of the team's most successful seasons, including a Super Bowl run.

Larry Fitzgerald

A former NFL wide receiver who played with Boldin on the Cardinals and is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Michael Bidwill

The owner of the Arizona Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“I'll never forget seeing him strapped to that gurney and in the X-ray room and I was crying profusely. There was blood coming out of his nose and his mouth, and I get to him, and he looks at me and says, 'Why are you crying?'”

— Larry Fitzgerald, Former NFL wide receiver (statenews.net)

“Most guys would've taken it as, 'I'm done this year, I'll get ready for next year,' but that wasn't his mentality. The same mentality he had as a player is the same way he attacks life.”

— Larry Fitzgerald, Former NFL wide receiver (statenews.net)

“I think (the relationship) is in a great place right now. There are no hard feelings from me, nothing like that. Mike and I talk often.”

— Anquan Boldin (statenews.net)

What’s next

Boldin and the Cardinals are expected to continue working together on social justice initiatives through the NFL's Social Justice Committee.

The takeaway

The healing of the relationship between Anquan Boldin and the Arizona Cardinals shows the ability for professional sports organizations and players to move past previous conflicts and work together, especially on important social issues that extend beyond the field of play.