The trade of Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers was a shock to Baltimore Ravens fans. It also was a shock to Anquan Boldin.
"You know, for me, it was an initial shock because I had no clue that I was going to be traded," Boldin told ESPN producer Ashly Robinson, who is traveling with Boldin in Africa, along with Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals and Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons.
"It was shocking at first ... but I mean it, for me it is also a good thing," Boldin said. "When I look at the organization and what they're about ... and as a football team, the talent that they have ... I think it's good, a good place for me to be."
Boldin learned about the trade via congratulatory text messages when he got off the plane in Africa. He took the high road on Twitter, saying goodbye to the Ravens' fan base.
I would like thank the Ravens fans for their incredible support for myself and my family throughout my years in Baltimore.
â Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) March 12, 2013
I am grateful in getting to know you and will miss what I call home.
â Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) March 12, 2013
I thought this was the last stop of my career but regardless of the circumstances I came here to win a Championship
â Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) March 12, 2013
Boldin is a fascinating, proud player. He refused to take a pay cut, and his gamble paid off. The Ravens' trade of him was cold-blooded, but that doesn't make it wrong. It could be a rare deal that truly is a win-win for both sides.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
