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.
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