With the season he's having, Ninkovich is becoming less of a surprise and more a staple of the Patriots' defense.

Ninkovich had two interceptions last week in the Patriots' win over the Jets, including one he returned 12 yards or a fourth-quarter touchdown. Not bad for a converted defensive end who played in just eight NFL games before signing with the Patriots as a free agent in 2009.

Ninkovich says he's always enjoyed surprising people who doubted his ability. He says it's been that way since he played in high school, then had to play at a junior college before he was recruited by Purdue.