Rob Ninkovich announces retirement after 11 NFL seasons

[SDGuy73]

Thanks for the great memory's.

 

[Vyle203]

Thanks for the great memory's.

Sucks. Best of luck to him. He's a warrior.

 

[redseat]

Was it injury related? Concussions? or just him wanting to end it?

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

Nobody ever worked harder to get from scrap heap guy to legit starter.

Thanks for a great run and enjoy whatever comes next, Nink.

 

[SDGuy73]

Was it injury related? Concussions? or just him wanting to end it?

"You have to be honest with yourself," Ninkovich said at an early afternoon news conference that was attended by owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft, Belichick and about 30 players, including quarterback Tom Brady. "I knew that my time was probably close, and just training made it clear for me. When you go squat and are sore for a week, it's not a good thing."

Ninkovich, 33, has been considering retirement in recent seasons. He entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft choice of the New Orleans Saints in 2006. A Purdue alum, Ninkovich didn't see his NFL career take off until he joined the Patriots as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2009.

 

[cdumler7]

Great player. You know they are well respected when fans of other teams let out a sigh of relief that he is retiring. Lots of guys retiring the first week of camp this year. Saw a couple of others decide to step down today.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Not the biggest or strongest, most athletic or fastest by any means.
But he was smart, consistent and tough.

Not easily replaced.

 

[redseat]

"You have to be honest with yourself," Ninkovich said at an early afternoon news conference that was attended by owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft, Belichick and about 30 players, including quarterback Tom Brady. "I knew that my time was probably close, and just training made it clear for me. When you go squat and are sore for a week, it's not a good thing."

Ninkovich, 33, has been considering retirement in recent seasons. He entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft choice of the New Orleans Saints in 2006. A Purdue alum, Ninkovich didn't see his NFL career take off until he joined the Patriots as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2009.

Well said. But you are right, when you know, you just know and really should listen to your head and retire if and when need be

 

[BigKen]

When your time comes and you recognize the signals, if you don't quit, you will pay the piper.. Guys who over stay their time, generally get seriously hurt. Performance generally suffers (Peyton Manning) and getting out without a serious injury is pure luck.

 

[Southieinnc]

Stay in shape Nink. You won't be on the 53 but you might get a call later.....

 

[Draft Crazy]

Very underrated around the NFL. Great career.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Although the Pats are really thin at DE right now, I don't think Nink will come back for one year. He said he retired because his body and spirit just weren't there any more. He might risk the possibility of a serious injury if he is not in top condition. There are several names of free agent vets being tossed around. Dwight Freeney (too old, IMHO); Mario Williams (too many attitude problems and too expensive); Jared Odrick (questionable due to prior injuries). I would take a look at Paul Kruger. His game has fallen off the last two years but he has the potential to be an adequate pass rusher. Internally, I think Shea McClellin might be the best fit.

 

[BigKen]

Nink said his body is not responding to workouts or diets. When the body can't recover, one cannot further damage it. He knows that his body is saying "no more"......

Don't do anything against what it's told you......just watch the games on TV.

 

[BigKen]

Nink has been to nearly every practice. He's getting some 'coaching' experiences.

On NESN and CSNNE they're saying that Nink may consider coming back temporarily to help fill in for Hightower and himself. All depends on how badly the defense needs bodies after the Texan game.

 

[Southieinnc]

Why Rob Ninkovich Is Staying Retired, Not Returning To Patriots

 

[Yankee Traveler]

A real blue collar lunch pail guy.
And he knows whats left in his lunch pail.

Thanks for everything Nink.