6/1/11
Former JJC Football player drafted to Tennessee Titans
Former Joliet Junior College football player Byron Stingily has been drafted by the Tennessee Titans. The 6’5”, 310 lb., offensive tackle was picked up in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL draft.
Byron played for then head coach Tom Minnick at JJC during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. During the 2007 campaign, Stingily helped lead the Wolves to a 10-2 overall record and a victory in the Graphic Edge Printing Bowl game. He was named to the Midwest Football All-Conference team that season. After a successful run at Joliet, Byron headed to the University of Louisville to continue his football career.
1/31/11
Former JJC alumni to play in Super Bowl XLVI
Former Joliet Junior College football player Rob Ninkovich will be a key part of this Sunday's Super Bowl ILVI in Indianapolis, Ind. The New England Patriots outside linebacker has started every game this season and currently has 86 tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 interceptions.
But before his six seasons in the NFL, Ninkovich, a Lincoln-Way Central High School graduate, began his collegiate playing career at JJC. He was a member of the 2002 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III national championship team for the Wolves his freshman season.
During his sophomore season, Ninkovich set the sack record with 16, which still stands today. After a successful two-year run with JJC, Ninkovich received a scholarship to Purdue University where he was an All-Big Ten selection his senior season. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2006 draft.
In 2007, he was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. After a two-year stint in Miami, Ninkovich went back to New Orleans for spring workouts before signing as a free agent with New England in 2009.