Boldin says Bills disappointed but respecting of abrupt retirement

Anquan Boldin shocked many with his decision to retire Sunday, including the Buffalo Bills.

Just 13 days after signing with the team as a free agent, the veteran receiver announced he would be hanging up his cleats to focus on humanitarianism.

Boldin was asked if the Bills were disappointed by his decision.

"I'm sure that they are," he said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak. "I wouldn't expect them to be anything less. But as (men), they respect it. They wished me nothing but the best, and I appreciate that."

The Bills were hoping to have the sure-handed wideout as part of their inexperienced receiving corps this season. After the trade of Sammy Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams and the acquisition of Jordan Matthews, the Bills will now roll with Matthews, rookie Zay Jones, and unproven pass-catchers Andre Holmes, Rod Streater, Corey Brown, and Brandon Tate at the position.

Boldin retired with 1,076 career catches, 13,779 receiving yards, and 82 touchdowns.