49ers’ Anquan Boldin NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee

Anquan Boldin is not only one of the most valuable players on the field, but also one of the most impactful community leaders on the 49ers. He is a finalist for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The winner will be announced in Arizona, the site of Super Bowl XLIX, during the fourth annual NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on Saturday, January 31, from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice from both the NFL Foundation and Nationwide ($50,000 total). The two additional finalists will receive $5,000 donations in their names. Boldin has proven to be the 49ers most reliable receiver over the last two seasons. After leading the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2013, Boldin contributed greatly again this season, totaling team-highs in receptions (83), receiving yards (1,062) and receiving touchdowns (five). While Boldin has amassed an impressive on-field record, he has never lost sight of the importance of giving back to the community. The Anquan Boldin Foundation was formed in 2004 by Boldin with a mission to expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged youth. In December 2014, he and his wife, Dionne, announced a $1 million pledge to increase the impact of their Foundation. The Foundation offers programs throughout the year, including a summer enrichment program, Thanksgiving food drives offering 300 meals annually and holiday shopping sprees. In the fall of 2014, the Foundation awarded $10,000 academic scholarship to four students entering college and, since its inception, has awarded eleven four-year scholarships through the “Q81” Foundation Scholarship Fund. With an international philanthropic reach, Boldin has also been involved with Oxfam America since 2010, travelling to Ethiopia and Senegal. Following his second trip to Africa, Boldin addressed political concerns in Senegal involving creating more transparency in the gold mining industry, testifying as an Oxfam Ambassador before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights on the issue. Boldin became the fourth player in franchise history to register multiple seasons with 1,000-or-more receiving yards and is the first to do so in each of his first two seasons with the team. With another successful season under his belt, Boldin is now one of two players in NFL history to record at least 600 receiving yards in each of his first 12 seasons, joining Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. It comes as no surprise to his peers and the 49ers organization that in 2014, recognition of his strong character, Boldin was presented with the prestigious Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the highest honor given to a player by the NFLPA.

How has your nominee put the needs of members in the community ahead of their own?

Boldin has also been involved with Oxfam America since 2010, accompanying two overseas trips to Ethiopia and Senegal and later lobbed Senegalese rights. He began by seeking to minimize the devastation cause by the drought and hunger crisis in Ethiopia, providing $10,000 to assist the farming needs of the villagers while dedicating countless hours. During a second trip to Africa, Boldin addressed political concerns in Senegal, later testifying as an Oxfam Ambassador before Congress.

What is your nominee’s next initiative?

Annual Q-Festival Q-Fest is Boldin’s signature event hosted in his hometown in Palm Beach County. For the event, he secures 30 NFL athletes, raising over $100,000 annually. The Foundation will host their 11th annual Q-Festival Weekend in April 2015, featuring a celebrity golf tournament, a celebrity basketball game, a week-long community basketball tournament for all ages, a 3-K Fitness Walk and Wellness Seminar, and the “Fun Day in the Park.” All activities are free.

When did your nominee start supporting this cause?

Boldin has been an advocate for those in need since being drafted in 2003. His commitment has been consistent, sustained, significant and authentic, resulting in real change. Along with his impact off the field, Boldin has been a leader on the team since his arrival to the 49ers. His influence was felt on the field and in the locker room. For his leadership, effort and passion for the game, Boldin was named the 2013 Bill Walsh Award Winner, given to the 49ers team MVP. Pro Player Insiders Links about Boldin Anquan Boldin Wins NFLPA Byron “Whizzer” White Award full story click here (March 2014)