There’s a rivalry brewing in New England’s locker room, with two players battling it out as the playoffs get set to begin this weekend.
There have been plenty of players who have rocked a playoff beard over the years for the Patriots, with Rob Ninkovich known as having one of the better ones.
Last year, Julian Edelman grew his out and by the time New England faced Seattle, it was in full force, putting Edelman among those giving Ninkovich’s a run for his money.
However, it’s a new year and the veteran linebacker isn’t impressed. After all, his beard started months ago when they got to work and started preparing for 2015. Because, that’s how it’s done.
“Call it a seasonal beard – full season,” said Ninkovich on Wednesday during his press conference when asked if it was a ‘playoff beard’.
Ninkovich has been a reliable player for the Patriots’ defense, sitting currently with the third-longest consecutive games played streak among active players among defensive ends. He’s played in 102 straight contests, behind just the Colts’ Kendall Langford and Green Bay’s Julius Peppers and he’s second behind Peppers (102) in consecutive starts with 81.
He’s a workhorse and a well-respected player. And he leads by example, having started this beard the “last weekend in July.” That’s the type of dedication it takes, and he joked that Edelman would have to give up all the photo opportunities in order to match him.
“It’s not a full effort,” joked Ninkovich. “He’s taken too many pretty-boy pictures throughout the year for him to rock the full beard all year.”
No comment yet from Edelman, who isn’t a stranger to locker room rivalries. However, if history is any indication, one would have to believe it should be funny to hear when the veteran receiver finally does respond.
 A look at Edelman’s beard following last year’s Super Bowl win. (USA TODAY Images) |
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
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