Former Patriot Rob Ninkovich joins ESPN as NFL analyst

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

ESPN announced on Tuesday that former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich will join the network as an NFL analyst starting Saturday. His first assignment will be - what else? - Patriots training camp, as part of SportsCenter on the Road live in Foxborough.

Ninkovich will appear as an analyst on SportsCenter, NFL Live, ESPN Radio, and other programming. He's appeared on ESPN before as part of NFL Insiders and the Mike & Mike radio show.

The ex-Patriots linebacker, who played eight seasons in New England and won Super Bowl rings in 2014 and 2016, also previously appeared as a Patriots analyst on NBC Sports Boston and WBZ-TV.

"I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to work for ESPN,” said Ninkovich. "I look forward to sharing my knowledge of the game and expressing my passion for football in the next chapter of my professional career."

Ninkovich, who played his final eight NFL seasons in New England, joins a long line of former Patriots from the Bill Belichick era who have gone on to work at national media outlets. Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Willie McGinest, Randy Moss, Heath Evans, and Damien Woody are some of the other 21st century Pats to find success in national broadcasting.

As for Ninkovich, his first official day as an ESPN analyst will be day three of Patriots 2019 minicamp. Veterans report on Wednesday with the first public practice kicking off Thursday morning.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.