Ninkovich shared the story of his conditioning test and first practice with the Patriots. “Fast forward into 2009 when I got here, a late flight, I got in super early, and I had to run the conditioning test. Let me tell you, I was all by myself. I was a week into camp, and I told myself, ‘If I don’t make this test, I’m gone.’ So I made the test, and [then] the first practice, I had to turn some heads. This is my only chance, to make the best of this chance. So I had to turn heads. I was going against [former Patriots offensive lineman] Matt Light, and I love Matt, we’re great friends, but Matt, I had to do it to you. First rep I beat him. Second rep I beat him. Third rep I beat him. [Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia] was saying, ‘This kid just got here and he’s beating you.’ That was a great feeling. I think, Bill, you put me on a highlight for that day, like, ‘This kid just got here and he knows how to rush and by the time we’re done with him, he won’t know what he’s doing,’ so I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but it’s a great memory. That was the start.’’