Latest news with #Ninkovich
USA Today
27-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Patriots two-time Super Bowl champ's level-headed 2025 prediction
Former New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich gave an honest and more level-headed prediction for the Patriots' 2025 season. He expects the team to be significantly better than it was last season, when it only won four games with Jerod Mayo as head coach. Now that they have Mike Vrabel overseeing things, Ninkovich believes the Patriots should be able to turn things around. While he wasn't willing to go as high as 12 or 11 wins, he did predict that the team could win nine or even 10 games. "11 wins? They just had four wins. Let's be realistic," Ninkovich said on Dudes on Dudes podcast. "...I think they're a nine or 10-win team." The Patriots went to great lengths to improve their roster in the offseason with key free agent additions, including Stefon Diggs, Carlton Davis, Milton Williams, Morgan Moses and Robert Spillane. They also had arguably the best 2025 NFL draft, at least on paper, over every other team in the league. Time will tell with the results on the field, but there are many reasons for optimism. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Patriots legend reveals which QB he enjoyed hitting the most
Ninkovich loved giving the Manning brothers the business😤 Former New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich revealed the two quarterbacks he enjoyed sacking the most during his playing days were Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Peyton, who was one of the all-time great quarterbacks, was a longtime rival to Tom Brady and the Patriots, while Eli owns two wins over Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Ninkovich was one of the most dependable linebackers in Patriots history. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and All-Dynasty player, who recorded 46 sacks in an 11-year career. 'I probably say Peyton and Eli. Those are two good ones," Ninkovich said on the "Dudes on Dudes" podcast. "Cause Peyton, when I was at Purdue and they were playing the Steelers, after the game he went to this bar, and the agent that was trying to recruit me took me to the same bar. And I remember looking at him like, 'That's Peyton Manning.' And then fast forward 12 years, sack fumble on him and stuff. It's awesome.' Ninkovich had his fair share of opportunities to go against both Manning brothers. He played a key role in some legendary battles throughout history. There's something to be said for sacking a pair of two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Ninkovich can proudly claim to be one of the few to ever do so. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
