Rob Ninkovich, Patriots Team Captain, Announces Surprise Retirement

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Rob Ninkovich, a grinder who arrived in New England with little fanfare to become a linchpin of two Super Bowl champion teams over eight seasons announced his retirement at a press conference held midday Sunday.

"It wasn’t an easy decision but after 11 years, it’s time to walk away and move into the next phase of my life," Ninkovich said. "It's been such a blessing and a heck of the run. I’m so grateful for the Patriots organization."

With his teammates and team ownership present for his departure from the sport and the TVs in the media workroom displaying his number 50, head coach Bill Belichick called Ninkovich the most selfless player he's ever coached.

"Personally, [I] just can’t thank you enough for your contributions to the team [and] to the organization. I haven’t had a – never coached a more unselfish player and I’ve coached a lot of them but you go right up in there in that top echelon group. It was always about the team. It was always about how Rob could help somebody else," Belichick said. "You’ve earned every single thing that you’ve gotten. Nobody gave you anything; nobody had worked harder for it."

The 33-year-old Ninkovich entered the league as a fifth-round pick with New Orleans in 2006, but only played a handful of games until landing with New England in 2009. He instantly became a fan and coaching favorite with his ability to get to the quarterback.

Ninkovich, a two-time team captain, was a versatile linebacker-turned defensive lineman. He started more than 100 games for New England, including 16 playoff games, and was an important part of the teams that beat Seattle and Atlanta in the playoffs.

Team owner Robert Kraft said Ninkovich's 14 fumble recovers in the past seven seasons was the most in the league. He was the first Patriots player since Andre Tippett to record eight sacks in three seasons. In the past 20 years, only Jared Allen, Julius Peppers, and Jason Taylor matched the 46 sacks, 14 fumble recoveries, and five interceptions he recorded as a Patriot.

Ninkovich had been absent from training camp all week, with Belichick saying it was due to personal reasons.

Ninkovich served a four-game suspension to begin last season due to testing positive for a banned supplement. Ninkovich said the test was due to an over-the-counter supplement.

Veteran receiver Andrew Hawkins announced his retirement last week. He had yet to play a game with the Patriots, the team he signed with in the offseason.

By Dan Libon and Mike Carraggi

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images