Rob Ninkovich is a former outside linebacker in the National Football League. He was a defensive end for Purdue University and played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). The New Orleans Saints selected him in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots.
He won two Super Bowls with the latter. Rob announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons with the Patriots in 2016. He currently contributes on a regular basis to ESPN’s studio coverage, including ESPN Radio, Getting Up, First Take, NFL Live, and SportsCenter.
Rob Ninkovich Age
Rob Ninkovich was born in Blue Island, Illinois, United States of America on February 1, 1984. He is 38 years old.
Rob Ninkovich Height
Rob stands at a height of 6 ft 3 in/1.91m tall.
Rob Ninkovich Family
On February 1, 1984, in Blue Island, Illinois, United States of America, Rob was born to a Croatian family. After he finished seventh school, his family relocated to New Lenox, Illinois. His father, Mike Ninkovich, was an ironworker who influenced him both on and off the field. Mike kept his playground rivalry in check by rooting for him during the Super Bowl. His mother, on the other hand, has stayed at his side through the ups and downs. Rob grew up with his four-and-a-half-year-old sister.
Rob Ninkovich Wife
Rob married Paige Popich, the love of her life. On November 21, 1984, she was born to Rachel Popich and Joseph Popish. Paige Popich grew up with her two siblings, Lana and Joseph Popich. The couple met in 2006 at Manning’s restaurant in New Orleans and dated for 6 years before getting married.
Rob and Paige tied the knot on June 29, 2012. The wedding took place in New Orleans’ Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church. The union is currently blessed with two lovely children. Avielle, the couple’s oldest daughter, was born in July 2013. Rob and Paige welcomed their son in 2016.
Rob Ninkovich Education
His freshman and sophomore years were spent at Frankfort’s Lincoln-Way East High School. His junior and senior years were spent at New Lenox’s Lincoln-Way Central High School. Rob played defensive end, tight end, and fullback while there. During his senior year, he was named All-State defensive end. He also played baseball and lettered.
Rob attended Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois for two years after high school, where he earned 36 tackles and seven sacks as a freshman. Rob’s team won the NJCAA national title. He transferred to Purdue in 2004, where he appeared in all 12 games that season.
Despite being a reserve, Rob was tied for the team lead and ranked second in the Big Ten with eight sacks. During a game against Notre Dame on October 2, he had two sacks on defense. He also snagged a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton on the goal line. On November 20, 2004, Rob tied a school record with four sacks versus Indiana. Rob was named second-team All-Big Ten as a senior in 2005 following a fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, eight sacks, and 48 tackles.
He had four sacks versus Indiana for the second straight season. He now has two of the three individual four-sack efforts in school history. In a 37-3 victory over Illinois, Rob grabbed a one-yard touchdown pass from Curtis Painter. After the season, he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game.
Rob Ninkovich Salary
Rob earns an annual salary of $66,285.
Rob Ninkovich Net Worth
Rob has an estimated net worth of $2 million.
Rob Ninkovich Career
Rob was signed to a three-year, $1.22 million contract by the New Orleans Saints. On July 18, 2006, he was chosen in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. Throughout training camp, he contended for the starting defensive end position against Charles Grant, Willie Whitehead, and Eric Moore. On August 21, 2006, the New Orleans Saints were defeated 30-7 by the Dallas Cowboys in their second preseason game.
During the game, Rob had two sacks and two forced fumbles. Nonetheless, he was called for unnecessary roughness, which resulted in a Cowboys touchdown. Rob had three sacks in the preseason. Head coach Sean Payton named him Will Smith’s backup defensive end. He made his professional regular-season debut against the Cleveland Browns in the Saints’ season opener, recording three combined tackles in their 19-14 victory.
He injured his knee on September 25, 2006, while participating on special teams in the Saints’ 23-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons during Monday Night Football. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve by the Saints on September 29, 2006, following surgery to repair the damaged ligament. He ended his rookie season with 4 combined tackles (two solos) as well as a pass deflection in 3 games.
