NINKO RECEPTIVE IF PATRIOTS CALL GUREGIAN: Page B5
If asked, Ninkovich receptive
For Patriots fans gathered at Modell’s Sporting Goods in Medford, an obvious solution for Bill Belichick’s defensive woes was parked right in front of
PATRIOTS BEAT Karen Guregian
them, talking football and signing autographs.
“Hey Rob, are you going to play in two weeks?” one fan asked Rob Ninkovich.
Then another chimed in: “You look great on Comcast, but we need you back on the field.”
And so it went for the recently retired defensive end, who was on hand at the store yesterday, signing autographs and posing for pictures as part of his partnership with Panini Sports Cards and the Panini Blitz App.
Last week, Ninkovich said on CSNNE he hasn’t shut the door on returning, so that has everyone abuzz about him possibly coming back to help bail out the struggling front seven, who looked overmatched in Thursday night’s 42-27 thrashing by the Chiefs.
While his playing time was reduced last year, Ninkovich could certainly help on the edge. His experience alone in the Patriots defense would be a benefit.
For the record, speaking with the Herald after the event, Ninkovich said he hasn’t heard from Belichick or the Patriots.
And if he did? Would he come back?
“Personally, my health is good. I don’t have any knee issues or health issues,” he said. “If they were to approach me, I’d definitely think about it.”
Asked if he might approach them, Ninkovich answered this way: “I don’t think I’d approach them because I know they’re doing their thing. They’re trying to figure out the next step.”
Let’s provide a little context.
Ninkovich, who’s 33, walked out on his own terms, with the perfect retirement scenario. He left in August after the most amazing Super Bowl win, with his second ring, and in decent shape health-wise.
He had a year left on his contract, but that deal was only going to pay him short money. He had a $1 million base salary, while he could earn up to $2 million if all his incentives were met. Perhaps if the money was better, Ninkovich might be more inclined to return and come out of retirement, which he says he’s enjoying at the moment.
He’s still working out. He’s not in football shape, per se, but it wouldn’t take long.
“I’m not working out to play football, but I’m working out all the time. You just can’t stop,” he said. “It’s hard when you’ve been playing football 20 years to not do anything. So I keep up with a good regimen. I’m 260, so there wouldn’t be any drop-off with my strength.
“But, again, I’d have to really think about it,” he went on. “The pros of leaving after a Super Bowl (win) on my own terms, and I kind of wanted to see the first game to see where they were at.”
Needless to say, the first game was a disaster from a defensive standpoint. The 42 points the Chiefs scored were the most during the Belichick era.
“It wasn’t easy to watch. I feel bad for the kid they just brought in, (Cassius) Marsh, five days into the program, and you get thrown into the fire. It’s not easy. Our defense isn’t easy to play, especially if you’re a D-end,” said Ninkovich. “But it’s the first game of the year, there’s a lot more games to be played. There’s going to be some changes.”
Maybe the Patriots will pick up a veteran who might be cut after Week 1, or maybe Ninkovich will hear his phone ring, and Belichick or Matt Patricia will be on the other end.
“Then I have to make a decision. We’ll see what happens,” he said. “Right now, I’m going to enjoy the time off. The body feels good. That’s the best part.”
‘I don’t have any knee issues or health issues. If they were to approach me, I’d definitely think about it.’ — ROB NINKOVICH (above) On potential return to Pats