Rob Ninkovich Day: Everything You Need To Know

NEW LENOX, IL -- Recently retired New England Patriots linebacker and Lincoln-Way Central High School alum Rob Ninkovich has elite company when it comes to the phrase "riding off into the sunset" from the NFL. Even though his retirement announcement came months after the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LI in February, Ninkovich is one of the few football players who can say his final game in the NFL was a Super Bowl victory.

Notable others over the past 20 years who have retired after their team won a championship include John Elway, Jerome Bettis, Tarik Glenn, Michael Strahan, Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning.

To celebrate Ninkovich' inclusion in that group and entire football career, his hometown is holding a parade and rally for their native son on Sunday, Aug. 13. Ninkovich will be in New Lenox, where a number of fans are expected to gather at The Commons area to celebrate all his achievements.

Here's everything we know about "Rob Ninkovich Day" in New Lenox:

Parade Route / Time

A parade route that will follow the entire loop of the Village Commons ring road will begin at 10 a.m.

Parade Participants

The following groups will be a part of the parade:

• Lincoln-Way Central Marching Band Drum Line
• New Lenox Mustangs Football Team & Cheerleaders
• New Lenox Youth Association Football Team & Cheerleaders
• Lincoln-Way High School’s football teams
• New Lenox Police Department
• New Lenox Fire Protection District

Rally

A rally at the New Lenox Performing Arts Pavilion Stage will follow at 10:15 a.m.

Speakers

Ninkovich and New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann are confirmed speakers during the rally. Other guest speakers are expected as well.

WATCH LIVE: Patch Editor Joe Vince will broadcast the parade on the Joliet Patch Facebook page.

Ninkovich announced his retirement from the NFL last month after 11 seasons with the Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins. He played in three Super Bowls, winning two, and was part of the 2016 Super Bowl champion Patriots that pulled off the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.

Before his NFL career, the Blue Island native who grew up in New Lenox starred at Lincoln-Way Central in high school and at Purdue University in college.