When I read that Anquan Boldin was being asked to take a pay cut or risk being released, I was upset. This was the guy that made clutch catch after clutch catch, and scored touchdown after touchdown. Remember that 3rd and 1 in the Super Bowl when Flacco switched out of a run to a pass play? Remember when Joe heaved that ball up in the air and Q starting to jump up to get it with a 49er cornerback draped all over him? Remember when you thought, oh man... how is Q going to make that catch, he's got a guy all over him!? Remember when Q made that catch? Remember when you thought to yourself "wow"? I do.

Anquan defined what it meant to "Play like a Raven". Hardnosed, gritty and physical. Anquan didn't mind going on a drag route in the middle of the field, he didn't care about getting punched in the mouth... he knew he could give it right back.. Whenever we needed a first down, a touchdown, I always looked to where 81 was lined up because he was the only guy I trusted to make the play.

Off the field, Anquan is the nicest guy, giving game balls to fans and giving his gloves away during the pre-game. I was always happy to see Q come out of the tunnel, and I just wish I could have gotten the chance to meet him, to talk to him.

Anquan, I wish you the best, and I really hope things work out. You've been one of my favorite players ever since you came, and I just want you to know that you deserve everything in this world, including happiness and healthiness.

Q needs to reitre a Raven, whenever that may be, because he was meant to be one from the very start of his football career.