Rob Ninkovich
Rob Ninkovich
Robert “Rob” Ninkovich is a former outside linebacker for American football who played eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL).
Rob Ninkovich Early Life
Ninkovich was born to a Croatian-American family on February 1st, 1984 in Blue Island, Illinois. His parents are Deborah and Mike Ninkovich. Laura Ninkovich is the name of his sibling. His family moved to New Lenox, Illinois, when he completed seventh school. His freshman and sophomore years were spent at Lincoln-Way East High School, while his junior and senior years were spent at Lincoln-Way Central High School. During his senior year, he was named to the defensive end All-State team.
He studied at Joliet Junior College for two years after high school. He made 36 tackles and seven sacks as a rookie, helping his team to the NJCAA national title. He was named to the third team of the NJCAA All-America squad as a sophomore after compiling 95 tackles, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and a school record of 16 sacks. In 2004, Ninkovich switched schools and played football for the Purdue Boilermakers to finish his undergraduate studies.
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In that season, he participated in all 12 games. He was a reserve, but his eight sacks matched for first place on the squad and second in the Big Ten. After compiling 48 tackles, eight sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery as a senior in 2005, he was named to the second team of the Big Ten.
Rob Ninkovich Career
Ninkovich was chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, 135th overall. He signed a three-year, $1.22 million contract with the Saints in July. During the Saints’ season-opening game against the Cleveland Browns, he made his regular-season debut as a professional and registered three combined tackles. With four total tackles and a pass deflection in three games, he completed his debut season. He was released by the New Orleans Saints in September 2007 as a result of their last roster trimming.
He was picked up off waivers by the Miami Dolphins in the same month. Ninkovich made his Miami Dolphins debut in September 2007. He was released by the Dolphins in August 2008, and when he cleared waivers in September, he was added to the Dolphins’ practice squad. He played in just one game and had no tackles towards the end of the 2008 season. He was released by the Dolphins’ practice squad in December 2008 and signed by the New Orleans Saints.
His one-year, $535,000 deal with the New England Patriots was finalized in August 2009. In 2009, he participated in 15 games for the Patriots, recording 23 tackles and one sack. Outside linebacker Ninkovich started the 2010 campaign as a starter, and in the 16 games he played, he recorded a career-high 62 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions. He scored his first NFL touchdown and had the finest statistical season of his career in 2011, starting every game and compiling 74 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 3 recovered fumbles.
Ninkovich extended his contract for three years in 2013, through 2016, for a total of $15 million, which includes $8.5 million in bonuses and guaranteed payments. He announced his retirement from the NFL in July 2017 after eleven seasons, including eight with the Patriots, and after his contract had already expired. ESPN made the announcement that Ninkovich would be joining the network as an NFL analyst in July 2019.
Rob Ninkovich Personal Life
Rob Ninkovich is married to Paige Ninkovich. The pair got married on 29th June 2012. They currently have three children named Everett, Wyatt and Avielle.
Rob Ninkovich Net Worth
The net worth of Ninkovich is currently known to be $20 million.
