"Anquan Boldin has the talent, the contract and the fearless attitude that seem inherently linked to being a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL.

The part about the whining, acting like a diva, and brandishing a me-first mentality? He must've missed that section of Playing Professional Football 101.

That's why the Ravens wide receiver insisted that he won't berate or cajole quarterback Joe Flacco into throwing the ball in his direction – beginning with Sunday night's showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium.

"I've been on that side," said Boldin, a former quarterback who played that position through high school and until his freshman year at Florida State. "I've played quarterback, and I've had guys in my ear. So I know the feeling. I think any player, quarterback or coach will recognize that situation. So I don't feel the need to go up there and let him know that he needs to get me the ball."

That temperament is quite a departure from some espoused by his NFL brethren, but for Boldin, it's about setting priorities.

He's already set league records, becoming the fastest player to reach 400, 500 and 600 receptions. He was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and has been selected to three Pro Bowls.

Boldin has tasted the pinnacle of every football player's objective, reaching the Super Bowl in 2008 only to fall short of capturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2008. Going one step farther — not improving his statistics — is what drives him now.

"I've achieved personal numbers my whole career," Boldin said. "Fastest to this, only guy to ever do this, Pro Bowls here and there, I've done that. I'm at a point in my career where the only thing that matters to me is a championship.""