by By Scott Bordow, East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.) , East Valley Tribune

"I'd be cheating my talent and myself," Boldin said Wednesday. "That's not me."

Boldin is a warrior. It's what first endeared him to Cardinals fans. He'd bounce off one defender, run over the next and when he stood up, invariably signaling for a first down, they'd jump to their feet and celebrate his physicality.

But the body pays a price for all those collisions, and these days it's not Boldin's attitude that is being talked about, but his availability.

The Cardinals don't know if he'll play against the Chicago Bears Sunday. Common sense says he shouldn't. Boldin needs to take a week or two off to give his sprained right ankle a chance to heal.

Boldin doesn't see it that way, of course. If he can run, he can play. And if he plays, he believes he'll help the team, even on one leg.

"It's really difficult as competitors," quarterback Kurt Warner said. "You always feel you give your team a better chance when you're out there. You convince yourself you're in better shape than you are."

It's unfortunate that Boldin's health has become such a hot topic. But the facts are the facts. He's missed nine games the last two seasons. He hasn't been as productive this season (35 catches, 404 yards, one touchdown) because of the ankle injury. His 30th birthday is next October.

Given those realities, the Cardinals should no longer entertain the idea of extending Boldin's contract, which runs out after the 2010 season.

Now, that's a tough sentence to write. Boldin helped change the culture of the franchise because he refused to accept the idea that the Cardinals always would be losers. He has been a leader in the locker room and a brilliant performer on the field.

Also, Boldin has been underpaid for the numbers he's put up. He deserves some back pay.

But the NFL is a cold-blooded business. It's irrelevant that Boldin is a tough guy who plays through pain. Or that he missed just two games after New York Jets safety Eric Smith broke his face last season.

The bottom line is simple: Boldin can't stay healthy. It's not his fault _ although not participating in the off-season program could be a factor _ and it undoubtedly torments him more than it does any fan. But it would be a poor business decision _ and an irresponsible Football decision _ if the Cardinals extended Boldin's deal.

You don't give big money to a player who can't be counted on. Particularly one who's about to turn 30 and, for all his talent, is the second-best receiver on the team.

The Cardinals checked sentiment at the door when defensive end Antonio Smith left as a free agent because they knew Calais Campbell was ready to step in. It's the same equation at wide receiver: Steve Breaston is younger and cheaper and has proven he's capable of being the No. 2 wideout.

Boldin knows how this will play out. If Arizona wasn't going to rip up his contract the last two off-seasons, it certainly won't this winter. No, Boldin either will be traded or unhappily play out his final season as a Cardinal .

Either way, the split will be less than amicable, and that will be a shame. But as Boldin nurses this latest injury, and coach Ken Whisenhunt debates whether to play him Sunday, it's impossible to ignore the obvious:

Boldin's days as a Cardinal are coming to an end.

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(c) 2009, East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Arizona)

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