"Football has afforded me a platform throughout my career to have a greater impact on my humanitarian work, and at this time, I feel drawn to make the larger fight for human rights a priority," Boldin said in a statement to ESPN.com.

Since then, Boldin has sought to give a voice not only to his family but also to all of those who feel that their cries for justice and change are falling on deaf ears.

Boldin and his wife, Dionne, who have two young sons, have always been heavily involved in community work in their hometown of Pahokee, Florida.

The couple has touched thousands of families by providing educational and life opportunities, and in 2014, they established an endowment that has supported 15 four-year college scholarships.

Boldin -- drafted by the Arizona Cardinals where he played his first seven seasons -- will be remembered as one of the game's toughest wideouts, if not players.