Rob Ninkovich receives three year extension from Patriots

Rob Ninkovich was once a long snapper, now he's a starting defensive end for the New England Patriots. A pretty good one too.

So good in fact that he's just been rewarded with a three-year extension from the Patriots, according to the Globe.

Boston.com
It’s that kind of consistency that has reportedly earned Ninkovich a three-year contract extension from the Patriots. According to a pregame Twitter message sent out by his agent, Craig Domann, Ninkovich will receive more than $15 million in the new deal, with $8.5 million guaranteed. The extension will keep him with the team through the 2016 season.

Ninkovich made a name for himself with his clutch plays last year, forcing almost every game ending fumble the team needed. That kind of heroism hasn't shown up so far this season, but has certainly performed just as well - getting in on a sack of Josh Freeman yesterday.

With a defensive line that has seen plenty of turnover, it's good to see one of the most stable members get rewarded.