http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Features/NFL+Features/2003/awards1827.htm
"PFW/PFWA awards 2003: Offensive Rookie of the Year
Boldin wastes no time breaking league records
By Dan Arkush
Jan. 14, 2004
Based solely on his record-shattering rookie receiving numbers this season, it’s not difficult at all to understand why the Cardinals believe Anquan Boldin is on a fast track toward becoming the organization’s undisputed centerpiece.
After bursting out of the woodwork in the season opener in Detroit with a 10-catch, 217-yard, two-TD performance — the best debut ever for a rookie receiver — Boldin never let up.
The second-round pick out of Florida State finished third in the NFL with 101 catches, tying the Cardinals’ franchise record and easily breaking the NFL record for rookies of 90 receptions set by Terry Glenn in 1996. His 1,377 yards receiving were the most by a rookie in 43 years.
But the numbers tell only part of the story.
“You could tell right away he was just a very mature kid,” said recently fired Cardinals offensive coordinator Jerry Sullivan, who purposely kept Boldin under wraps in the preseason. “We asked him to do a lot for us, learning two positions in our offense, and he just got better each week.
“He’s a tough guy who everybody liked right away. And the game was never too big for him. As far as players just coming in, he’s by far the best I’ve ever worked with.”
Numbers didn’t tell much of the real story at all in Boldin’s pre-draft workouts, when slow 40-times, as well as concerns about Boldin’s surgically repaired knee, caused his stock to drop on Draft Day, when he was the sixth receiver taken with the 54th choice overall.
“I thought I was good enough to go in the first round,” said Boldin, who was named Florida’s Mr. Football as a high school quarterback. “Obviously, there were some questions that people still had about me. I don’t think I was upset about it. For me, I just really wanted an opportunity, and that is what I got.”
Boldin quickly proved to be the total package, excelling both on the field, where he became the Cardinals’ only consistently effective offensive weapon, and off the field, where he has gone out of his way to be a class act — in direct contrast to other former Cardinals such as WR David Boston and RB Thomas Jones, who left a lot to be desired in the character department.
“I think on this level, the quicker you learn, the more comfortable you can become,” said Boldin, whose rare ability to gain separation in tight coverage has made him an instantly explosive pass catcher.
“For me, I’ve just had great coaches around me, and my teammates have been helpful. I think the coaches did a great job preparing me week-in and week-out, which has made my transition (from college) a lot easier.”
Boldin expected to play quarterback at Florida State, but he was switched to wide receiver and then missed the entire 2001 season following reconstructive knee surgery.
He bounced back big-time in 2002, catching 65 passes for 1,011 yards for the Seminoles, and showed off his versatility in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, when he threw for one touchdown and caught another.
Boldin admits that it has been a bit of a struggle coming from a successful college program to the Cardinals, a franchise that has had one winning season since 1984, one playoff appearance since 1982 and one playoff victory since winning the NFL title in 1947 as the Chicago Cardinals.
“It’s tough,” Boldin said. “I’ve never been in this position. I’ve been on winning teams in the past since I can remember. It’s been a tough transition from that respect, but I just see it as a challenge. I just go out and work hard every week, and something has to change eventually.”
Boldin’s tireless work ethic and total attention to detail quickly won over the Cardinals’ coaches. So did his toughness, which he showed right away in training camp, when he refused to back down from taking on linemen in blocking drills.
“I have coached some great players in this league, Hall of Fame players,” said Dave McGinnis, Boldin’s head coach in his first season. “And this kid’s foundation, as solid as he is, has all the attributes of all of them.
“He is the entire concept of what you want.”"
"PFW/PFWA awards 2003: Offensive Rookie of the Year
Boldin wastes no time breaking league records
By Dan Arkush
Jan. 14, 2004
Based solely on his record-shattering rookie receiving numbers this season, it’s not difficult at all to understand why the Cardinals believe Anquan Boldin is on a fast track toward becoming the organization’s undisputed centerpiece.
After bursting out of the woodwork in the season opener in Detroit with a 10-catch, 217-yard, two-TD performance — the best debut ever for a rookie receiver — Boldin never let up.
The second-round pick out of Florida State finished third in the NFL with 101 catches, tying the Cardinals’ franchise record and easily breaking the NFL record for rookies of 90 receptions set by Terry Glenn in 1996. His 1,377 yards receiving were the most by a rookie in 43 years.
But the numbers tell only part of the story.
“You could tell right away he was just a very mature kid,” said recently fired Cardinals offensive coordinator Jerry Sullivan, who purposely kept Boldin under wraps in the preseason. “We asked him to do a lot for us, learning two positions in our offense, and he just got better each week.
“He’s a tough guy who everybody liked right away. And the game was never too big for him. As far as players just coming in, he’s by far the best I’ve ever worked with.”
Numbers didn’t tell much of the real story at all in Boldin’s pre-draft workouts, when slow 40-times, as well as concerns about Boldin’s surgically repaired knee, caused his stock to drop on Draft Day, when he was the sixth receiver taken with the 54th choice overall.
“I thought I was good enough to go in the first round,” said Boldin, who was named Florida’s Mr. Football as a high school quarterback. “Obviously, there were some questions that people still had about me. I don’t think I was upset about it. For me, I just really wanted an opportunity, and that is what I got.”
Boldin quickly proved to be the total package, excelling both on the field, where he became the Cardinals’ only consistently effective offensive weapon, and off the field, where he has gone out of his way to be a class act — in direct contrast to other former Cardinals such as WR David Boston and RB Thomas Jones, who left a lot to be desired in the character department.
“I think on this level, the quicker you learn, the more comfortable you can become,” said Boldin, whose rare ability to gain separation in tight coverage has made him an instantly explosive pass catcher.
“For me, I’ve just had great coaches around me, and my teammates have been helpful. I think the coaches did a great job preparing me week-in and week-out, which has made my transition (from college) a lot easier.”
Boldin expected to play quarterback at Florida State, but he was switched to wide receiver and then missed the entire 2001 season following reconstructive knee surgery.
He bounced back big-time in 2002, catching 65 passes for 1,011 yards for the Seminoles, and showed off his versatility in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, when he threw for one touchdown and caught another.
Boldin admits that it has been a bit of a struggle coming from a successful college program to the Cardinals, a franchise that has had one winning season since 1984, one playoff appearance since 1982 and one playoff victory since winning the NFL title in 1947 as the Chicago Cardinals.
“It’s tough,” Boldin said. “I’ve never been in this position. I’ve been on winning teams in the past since I can remember. It’s been a tough transition from that respect, but I just see it as a challenge. I just go out and work hard every week, and something has to change eventually.”
Boldin’s tireless work ethic and total attention to detail quickly won over the Cardinals’ coaches. So did his toughness, which he showed right away in training camp, when he refused to back down from taking on linemen in blocking drills.
“I have coached some great players in this league, Hall of Fame players,” said Dave McGinnis, Boldin’s head coach in his first season. “And this kid’s foundation, as solid as he is, has all the attributes of all of them.
“He is the entire concept of what you want.”"
