New Lenox's Rob Ninkovich in Another Super Bowl and This Time He's Got Company

Three players who once trod the fields at Lincoln-Way Central High, Homewood-Flossmoor High and St. Rita High beneath Friday-night lights will be under the brightest of lights at Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, clad in the uniform of the New England Patriots.

Remember Rob Ninkovich, Michael Buchanan and Darius Fleming? All three Southland natives play on defense for the AFC champions. Ninkovich is a starter.

Count Rob Glielmi, former coach at Lincoln-Way Central, among the many friends and family members of Ninkovich who will be supporting the Patriots. But Glielmi insists he will not be “wearing a Patriots helmet or anything like that.”

“It’s pretty impressive the South Side connection to this game,” said Glielmi, now an assistant coach at Lincoln-Way North. “It shows why every college in the country recruits this area. It’s really exciting. It gives you a lot of pride.” » read more by Pat Disabato via the Daily Southtown

If you didn’t already know, now you’ve got a Southland connection to root for.

PREVIOUSLY POSTED ON PATCH

• New Lenox’s Rob Ninkovich Gets Glowing Story on ESPN
• Patriots’ Rob Ninkovich Visits New Lenox Board
• Rob Ninkovich: Ranking the Highlights of Our Super Bowl Star

ON PATRIOTS.COM

• Rob Ninkovich
• Michael Buchanan
• Darius Fleming