By John Sarianides

Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich is expected to announce his retirement today, ending his 11 year NFL career. 

The 33 year old Ninkovich entered the league in 2006 and after being cut four separate times by the Saints and Dolphins, he signed with the Patriots in 2009. 

Ninkovich spent eight seasons with the Patriots and during that he developed a reputation of playing with heart and toughness. Ninkovich only missed one game in his entire career aside from the four game suspension he had to serve at the start of last season.

Ninkovich embodied the Patriot Way like Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel did before him. He was versatile, playing both outside linebacker and defensive end in sub packages. Ninkovich was a good player who was well liked and respected by his teammates. He was a leader on and off the field.

The Patriots knew there was a possibility Ninkovich could retire. That is why they traded for Kony Ealy and drafted Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise Jr. Despitethose acquisitions, Ninkovich leaves big shoes to fill.

Ninkovich left his mark on the Patriots and he will always be loved by the fans for his contributions to the team. After today, the next time we see Nink at One Patriot Place is when he gets inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.