Longtime Patriots defender Rob Ninkovich retired over the summer, but the itch to play football has returned as the fall draws near. Ninkovich isn’t ready to suit up just yet, but he won’t rule out a comeback either. 
“I’m not closing the door. I’m not going to close the door. Just in case, you know, if something happened,” Ninkovich said on CSNNE (video link).
It’s not hard to imagine the Patriots calling on Ninkovich in the event of an injury, particularly since the front seven has been thinned out by rookie Derek Rivers’ season-ending injury and the release of Kony Ealy. The addition of Cassius Marsh may help New England on special teams, but the pass rush is looking like a major weak spot for the defending champs.
Ninkovich began his career with the Saints and also spent time with the Dolphins, but he has said that he cannot picture himself playing for any other team besides the Patriots. If he steps on the gridiron again, it will almost certainly be for a ninth season with New England.
Ninkovich saw the first significant action of his career when he signed with the Patriots in 2009. Since 2010, he has posted at least four sacks per season as a versatile defensive end/linebacker, including three consecutive eight-sack seasons from 2012-14. All in all, Ninkovich piled up 423 tackles and 46 sacks during his tenure with the Patriots. He appeared in 17 playoff games, including 16 starts, and was a key member of two Super Bowl-winning teams.
would love to see him back. real leader on that defense but if he stepped back for health or family best to look after that.
did Ninkovich “step away from the game” because he was about to fail another test and was going to be suspended again? Seems fishy he may be coming back soon….