Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich to retire

[RockThatBlue]

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter

 

 

Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich, 33, is expected to announce his retirement on Sunday afternoon, per @MikeReiss.

[PrincetonTiger]

Wow

[Flying Elvis]

You can't have all-pros at every position so you need guys like Nink. He just did his job and he did it well. He will be missed.

[chad72]

He didn't want to go out like Ted Johnson talking about how BB made him play through concussions  . The time was right after a SB win, time to quit when he can walk fine.

[shakedownstreet]

8 hours ago, PrincetonTiger said:

Wow

 

Interesting

[jvan1973]

8 hours ago, chad72 said:

He didn't want to go out like Ted Johnson talking about how BB made him play through concussions  . The time was right after a SB win, time to quit when he can walk fine.

But why wait until late July?  Seems an odd time to retire.  Very good player

[pgt_rob]

He was always a huge pain in our side.

[GoPats]

13 hours ago, jvan1973 said:

But why wait until late July?  Seems an odd time to retire.  Very good player

 

My impression is that he planned to play in 2017 but as camp approached he had second thoughts. Not sure how his health is but any player at his age has his aches and pains, I'd think. 

 

We'll miss Ninkovich, he was a good team guy and made some clutch plays at times. If there's an area where the Patriots need some help still, it's an outside pass rusher. I'm wondering if they'll look at Freeney or someone similar (if anyone's still out there, that is). 

 

 

[ColtsBlueFL]

Ninkovich is a model of the Patriots finding a guy that fits their system and giving him the job.  His first two seasons in the NFL was bouncing between the Saints and Dolphins (and back to the Saints) while also being injured at times. Then goes to the Pats and demonstrates some Vrabel like qualities and plays a solid role for a nearly a decade. Well done by him.

[jvan1973]

5 minutes ago, ColtsBlueFL said:

Ninkovich is a model of the Patriots finding a guy that fits their system and giving him the job.  His first two seasons in the NFL was bouncing between the Saints and Dolphins (and back to the Saints) while also being injured at times. Then goes to the Pats and demonstrates some Vrabel like qualities and plays a solid role for a nearly a decade. Well done by him.

The hoodie is the master of such things.  The guy is truly a genius.  I hate him,  But the man is good

[southwest1]

I'm watching BB rave about Rob right now. He's practically gushing. I haven't heard complement a defensive asset like this since Tedy Bruschi retired from football. Wow. When Bill opens up like this, he means it. It's extremely rare. 

 

"As a coach, I'm extremely proud of what you've accomplished & You earned every single thing." 

 

The Grey Hoodie seldom goes into such detail publicly at press conferences. Bravo Ninkovich! 

[southwest1]

Rob may have had the best NFL beard according to Kraft the owner but was it ZZ Top great? Just Joking! 

[southwest1]

Rob is as salt of the earth as you can get. He's humble, hardworking, & the swiss army knife of NFL positions: long snapper, LB, DE. I'm just glad he can't make Luck uncomfortable anymore. LOL! 

 

You're wife Paige is easy on the eyes too. Yes, I googled her for research purposes. 

 

The Beard & the Blond. Sounds like a Lethal Weapon sequel doesn't it? Very photogenic couple actually. 

 

[Chrisaaron1023]

18 hours ago, jvan1973 said:

The hoodie is the master of such things.  The guy is truly a genius.  I hate him,  But the man is good

Stole the words from my mouth.. Good luck to Rob and his family happy for him

 

He won't be missed because John Johnson will step in his role and make it seem like nobody left.. credit hoody again