Boldin does not celebrate with Cardinals

Jan 19, 2009 - 4:18 PM GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin, evidently unhappy with his limited late-game role, did not celebrate with his teammates following Sunday's historic victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game.

Boldin, the NFL's eighth-leading receiver this season, was used sparingly during the fourth-quarter touchdown drive that gave the Cardinals the lead for good at 32-25.

Arizona used only one wide receiver - Larry Fitzgerald - on nine of the drive's 14 plays. At one point during the drive, television cameras caught Boldin in a heated sideline argument with Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Boldin did not comment on the exchange after the game, while Haley referred to the interaction as a "heat of the moment" incident.

"We changed personnel groups out there, and I put Steve Breaston in for (Boldin)," Haley said. "He was upset about it."

Boldin was so upset that he almost immediately departed for the locker room when the on-field celebration began at University of Phoenix Stadium.

As the Cardinals entered the locker room to continue celebrating the franchise's first NFC title, Boldin was seen quietly leaving through a side exit.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Boldin has been one of the NFL's most productive receivers throughout his six-year career. But his relationship with the Cardinals has soured due to a recent contract dispute.

Boldin, 28, has openly lobbied for a new deal despite being under contract with the Cardinals through 2010. He has three years an $12 million remaining on the extension he signed after the 2005 season.

At one point last summer, Boldin requested to be traded after the Cardinals declined to re-negotiate his contract. Arizona gave Fitzgerald a four-year, $40 million extension last March.

Boldin had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns this season despite missing four games due to injuries. After being sidelined for last weekend's divisional round game due to a hamstring injury, he returned to the lineup Sunday but finished with just four catches for 34 yards.