Patriots’ linebacker Rob Ninkovich to retire

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Rob Ninkovich
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Rob Ninkovich /
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Long time New England Patriots’ defender Rob Ninkovich is planning on retiring this off-season.

Rob Ninkovich, a defensive end/pass rusher for the New England Patriots reportedly will announce his retirement this off-season, according to ESPNBoston. The Patriots will hold a press conference today at 12:15 EST with the announcement expected to be surrounding Ninkovich’s retirement.

Ninkovich, 33, has played 11 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Saints, Dolphins and Patriots. He was originally drafted in the fifth round by the Saints and lasted only a season before injuries caused New Orleans to waive him prior to the 2007 season.

The Miami Dolphins grabbed Ninkovich off waivers and he bounced between active roster and practice squad before being again waived. The Saints again signed Ninkovich, as a long snapper, but chose to release him prior to the 2009 season.

The Patriots took a shot on Ninkovich at the start of that season, and he quickly caught on.  He made the 53-man roster and appeared in all but one game. From that point on Ninkovich has been a steady piece on a Patriots defense that has seen constant turnover.

Ninkovich will finish his career with 46 sacks, five interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries. He ranks fifth in sacks for the Patriots all-time.

The Patriots are experiencing a bit of a youth movement along their defensive front. Trey Flowers, who led the team in sacks with seven, is expected to start on one side while newly acquired Kony Ealy will get the likely spot on opposite him.

Ever-valuable draft capital was spent by the Patriots on the position as well. Derek Rivers, who some projected to go as early as late in the first round, was selected by New England with the 83rd pick. A handful of draft analysis have already claimed it the “steal of the draft.”

Arkansas defensive end, Deatrich Wise was selected one round later with the 131st pick. Wise and Rivers are both moveable chess pieces for coach Bill Belichick who values positional versatility perhaps more than any other coach.

Ninkovich will leave a hole in the Patriots defense but if there is anything New England has preached since Belichick arrived it is, “next man up.”