He's been traded before, but he never found out about it like he did earlier this week.
Anquan Boldin heard all about the trade agreement between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, however, he found out via text message.
Boldin must pass a physical to complete the exchange between the teams that competed in Super Bowl XLVII. He'll come to the Bay Area to take that physical once he finishes a tour in Senegal, Africa in part with Oxfam International.
Boldin shared his positive reaction to the trade in a Thursday morning radio appearance on ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning.
"I was pretty shocked to get that news," Boldin admitted.
When the three-time Pro Bowl wideout landed in Senegal with fellow NFL wideouts Larry Fitzgerald and Roddy White, Boldin's cell phone blew up with several text messages.
Some said "Congratulations" others asked, "Is it true?"
Boldin quickly confirmed it was in fact legitimate.
"It has been done," he said. "There's no other thing to do but to move forward."
The 11-year veteran is eager to start a new chapter in his football career. It just so happens to be with an organization he's long admired.
In fact, Boldin grew up as a Niners fan.
"I guess my role is to come in and help as much as possible," the 32-year-old wideout said. "Looking at the team from the outside, they don't need much help. That's a great team. I've always had respect for the 49ers. As an organization, they do things the right way."
Boldin competed against the 49ers twice a year for the first seven years of his NFL career. He also added six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown against San Francisco in the Super Bowl. For his career, he's totaled more than 800 receiving yards in 10 of his 11 seasons. He also has 58 career touchdowns and a career average of 13.2 yards per reception.
Now that he has the opportunity to compete for a team he's respected for so long, Boldin made it clear that his appreciation of San Francisco's history dates back to his days growing up in Pahokee, Fla.
"As a kid I grew up a 49ers fan, by growing up watching Joe Montana, Steve Young, (Jerry) Rice and (John) Taylor, Ronnie Lott and those guys," Boldin said. "I've always been a fan of the 49ers. For me, I'm happy to be part of an organization like that."
Boldin figures to bolster an emerging group of receivers that include Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins and others.
A player with Boldin's experience should only help the team's passing game grow in 2013. Boldin wants to lead by example, too.
"Whenever you're at the point I am in my career, 11 years in, the only thing you want to do is have the chance to compete," he said. "Going to San Fran definitely gives me that opportunity."
But until Boldin can take and pass his physical to be officially welcomed on to San Francisco's roster, he's making the most of his opportunity in Senegal.
Boldin and his NFL friends are visiting impoverished villages and identifying the problems they deal with on a daily basis. Boldin wants to help out in any way possible.
"We're over here right now with Oxfam in Senegal just trying to help out," he said. "It's important for us to help advocate for those that don't have a voice to make changes."
Follow @AnquanBoldin on Instragram / Twitter to learn about the wide receiver.
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