- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,245,923
- Reaction score
- 59
Less than 24 hours before Florida State football had its first preseason practice, coach Mike Norvell turned to a Seminole legend to help set the standard for the 2026 season.
Anquan Boldin, one of the most accomplished players in Florida State history, addressed the team Tuesday, sharing lessons from a football journey that included a national championship, a decorated NFL career and overcoming adversity. Norvell said the message was designed to challenge players to embrace the work required to succeed.
“He definitely kicked it off the right way,” Norvell said. “It's always good when those past players get to come back and share their heart, their belief and the things that are in front of these guys.”
Boldin’s résumé carries weight in Tallahassee. He was a member of Florida State’s 1999 BCS national championship team and went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL. During his professional career, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
Norvell said Boldin’s physical, relentless style of play reflected many of the qualities he wants his current team to embody.
“I think our guys understand that expectation of what's desired,” Norvell said. “But this is somebody that played that way for so very long. He talked about the way he took care of his body, the way that he prepared and the extra work that allowed him to be different and special.”
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The Seminoles appeared to take Boldin’s message to heart.
Safety Ashlynd Barker said Boldin’s perspective on failure resonated with him.
“The thing that probably stuck with me was he said that he never felt fear,” Barker said. “He said he never feared judgment, but he always feared failure. The fear of failure made him work harder and prepare harder. That’s something I can take away from him because I think that’s realistic for a lot of people nowadays.”
Wide receiver Micahi Danzy found inspiration in Boldin’s transition from quarterback to receiver, a journey that mirrors his own position change from running back.
“As you know, he changed to a wide receiver and embraced that,” Danzy said. “Seeing that he embraced that means a lot to me. Last year was my first year trying to become a wide receiver, and I’m just trying to embrace it and be the best version of myself.”
As Florida State begins preparations for the 2026 campaign, Norvell hopes Boldin’s example serves as more than a motivational speech. The Seminoles’ first practice is still ahead, but the message was clear: when it comes to success starts with preparation, accountability and a willingness to embrace every challenge along the way.
More: FSU football's Ashton Daniels impresses Mike Norvell in first practice
More: How John Garrett is approaching roster construction with FSU football
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU legend Anquan Boldin’s message sets tone for Seminoles' 2026 season
Continue reading...
Anquan Boldin, one of the most accomplished players in Florida State history, addressed the team Tuesday, sharing lessons from a football journey that included a national championship, a decorated NFL career and overcoming adversity. Norvell said the message was designed to challenge players to embrace the work required to succeed.
“He definitely kicked it off the right way,” Norvell said. “It's always good when those past players get to come back and share their heart, their belief and the things that are in front of these guys.”
Boldin’s résumé carries weight in Tallahassee. He was a member of Florida State’s 1999 BCS national championship team and went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL. During his professional career, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
Norvell said Boldin’s physical, relentless style of play reflected many of the qualities he wants his current team to embody.
“I think our guys understand that expectation of what's desired,” Norvell said. “But this is somebody that played that way for so very long. He talked about the way he took care of his body, the way that he prepared and the extra work that allowed him to be different and special.”
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Anquan Boldin's message that stood out the most
You must be registered for see images attach
The Seminoles appeared to take Boldin’s message to heart.
Safety Ashlynd Barker said Boldin’s perspective on failure resonated with him.
“The thing that probably stuck with me was he said that he never felt fear,” Barker said. “He said he never feared judgment, but he always feared failure. The fear of failure made him work harder and prepare harder. That’s something I can take away from him because I think that’s realistic for a lot of people nowadays.”
Wide receiver Micahi Danzy found inspiration in Boldin’s transition from quarterback to receiver, a journey that mirrors his own position change from running back.
“As you know, he changed to a wide receiver and embraced that,” Danzy said. “Seeing that he embraced that means a lot to me. Last year was my first year trying to become a wide receiver, and I’m just trying to embrace it and be the best version of myself.”
You must be registered for see images attach
As Florida State begins preparations for the 2026 campaign, Norvell hopes Boldin’s example serves as more than a motivational speech. The Seminoles’ first practice is still ahead, but the message was clear: when it comes to success starts with preparation, accountability and a willingness to embrace every challenge along the way.
More: FSU football's Ashton Daniels impresses Mike Norvell in first practice
Florida State 2026 schedule
- Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State, 7 p.m. (CW)
- Sept. 7: vs. SMU, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sept. 13: Bye
- Sept. 19: at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, TBD
- Oct. 3: vs. Virginia, TBD
- Oct. 9: at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
- Oct. 17: at Miami, TBD
- Oct. 24: Bye
- Oct. 31: vs. Clemson, TBD
- Nov. 7: at Boston College, TBD
- Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh,, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
- Nov. 21: vs. NC State, TBD
- Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)
More: How John Garrett is approaching roster construction with FSU football
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU legend Anquan Boldin’s message sets tone for Seminoles' 2026 season
Continue reading...
