Rob Ninkovich announces his retirement

[RobertWeathers]

I am most curious what kind of discussions have been going on between the Ninko camp and the team over the past 4 days.
Why four days into camp?
No question, Ninko's 2017 compensation was light on dollars with a salary only guaranteed for injury.
Was Ninko hoping the team would step up and restructure his deal in more favorable terms for the player?
Was NE taking a wait and see using the past 3 days of training camp to get a better feel for the players on the practice field?
Did Ninko believe he would be a bench player or an eventual roster cut?
What about the prorated $900k bonus already paid out?
As I wrote before, Reiss was very cryptic on July 26th "wondering" out loud which veteran would cause a camp surprise.
Given that Reiss did not report what he most likely already knew, I guess the 4 day delay was nothing more than allowing Ninko to walk away on his own terms with a little bit of spotlight still on him.

So....who will be the next Vrabel/ Ninko clone?

I'm convinced Reiss knew for days.

All good reasons. The key here is he passed his conditioning run and then went home. I'm sure BB and he had a heart to heart and told him he was in a dogfight for a roster spot and Nink told Bill he wasn't sure he had it in him for one more year.

Because of the respect Bill had for Nink, he told him to go home and think about what he wants to do.

Today will will learn what Nink has decided

 

[AtomicDawg]

 

[RobertWeathers]

Drinking Grey Goose out of the bottle?

Lmao

 

[PatsBoy12]

And boom there goes the dynamite.

Well, the Jets probably feel they have a chance now that the "Jet Killer" is gone.

Seriously, there should be three appreciation threads for this guy. He made crucial plays in some big spots over the years. He never missed games (except the suspension). He did everything asked of him and played in multiple spots on D. He was what the Patriot way is all about, and he represented the #50 well. I wish he would have chosen to give it a go one more season, but he has to make the choice that's best for himself. Good luck with everything moving forward, Ninko. Sad to see you go.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Drinking Grey Goose out of the bottle?

Lmao

So long as that's not how he plans to spend his retirement, it's fine with me.

 

[Froob]

Lol I remember when he was Stinkovich, the worst starter in the league. Glad he got his two rings. Who's the next #50?

 

[BlueThunder]

Well, as pointed out above, #50 were 2 great Patriots acquired from another team ...that narrows the field of players being the next Vrabel/Nink clones. McClellin could be one..... or Van Noy? Could Guy move to LB ? On the bright side, if there is one, I see this as getting younger at LB with Roberts having a better shot at sticking......Any ink on how one of my binkies looks...Harvey Langi....I guess he could be a decent PS candidate , but I see ink that he would be poached when released.....Possible red shirt injury coming

 

[Family]

Nink looked like he had something left in the tank. Last year he sat out the first four games.

Any chance he could show up in November for one last run when spots are less premium?

 

[RobertWeathers]

So long as that's not how he plans to spend his retirement, it's fine with me.

Agree! That's how I spend my days working!

Grey Goose is my fav vodka. Kept in the freezer consumed straight or with a splash or cranberry juice or lemonade.

 

[AtomicDawg]

 

[Joey007]

The Iceman. Made the clutch plays when you needed him to. I'm gonna miss watching him, but at least it seems that the staff was prepared for this.

Best of wishes, Rob! Classy guy through and through.

 

[Todd Bradley]

His sack on Russell Wilson in Super Bowl 49 is one of the most underrated plays in Patriots lore.

3rd and 7 at the Seattle 39, with 12:55 left in the game and the Seahawks holding a 10-point lead.

He got the ball back in Brady's hands, stopped the bleeding and initiated the start of the comeback.

 

[long distance]

 

[RobertWeathers]

Right talent
Right attitude
Right commitment
Right coach
Right team
Right system
Right player
Right time

Never underestimate the will to succeed

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

It hurts to see him go, but I'm glad he's able to go out on his own terms and always appreciated the guy, his work ethic, his effort, and the man as a person we could look up to.

He's one of those guys that BB finds where everything comes together. BB gives a good guy a chance and he takes the opportunity, makes the most out of it and quiet;y became one of those rare unsung players that sneaks up on other teams (in terms of being they never expected that type of play/greatness from a guy).

Thanks, and enjoy the next phase of your life. No doubt, you'll have plenty of success.

 

[varjao]

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

what a Patriot man...this guy is so under the radar for most uneducated fans but those that know defense know how much of a stud this guy was...

He will be sorely missed, great player. Hope retirement treats him and his family well.

Well done Rob!

 

[Froob]

Click on this Tweet and scroll, tons of career highlights.

 

[Froob]

I know it doesn't really matter but just a thought did Ninkovich ultimately become a better player than Vrabel? Felt Nink had a lot more big plays but maybe Vrabel was better on a maybe more consistent basis?

 

[nabwong]

He went from stinkovich to professor. Have so much respect for this guy.