Rob Ninkovich’s Beard Has Been Good Luck for Patriots

INDIANAPOLIS — Linebacker Rob Ninkovich is the proud owner of a beard that has helped the Patriots win 10 consecutive games.

After falling to the Giants in Week 9, Ninkovich decided he wouldn't shave again until the Patriots' next loss. Since that hasn't exactly happened, he's got a small jungle on his face.

"Hopefully, come Sunday, I'll be able to take it off, trim it down for the celebration," Ninkovich said. "I'm waiting until after that."

Ninkovich said he'll shave it after the Super Bowl regardless of the outcome because he doesn't want to keep it through the summer.

At this point, he might have the third most popular hair on the Patriots' roster. Wide receiver Wes Welker's mustache has inspired lines of T-shirts and fans to follow suit with the look. And wide receiver Tiquan Underwood shaved the Patriots' "Flying Elvis" logo into his high-top fade.

Ninkovich joked that he should get a Head and Shoulders sponsorship, but he wasn't quite ready to take the beard to another level.

"I'm going to stay away from getting lined up," Ninkovich said. "I don't want to look like Underwood with the Patriot in my beard. I'll still to the lumberjack look."

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