Rob Ninkovich is not coming out of retirement. Christopher Polk/Getty Images The New England Patriots' defense has been a huge problem the first four weeks of the season, but if fans were rooting for Rob Ninkovich to come out of retirement and help, it sounds like they are going to be disappointed.

Ninkovich, who unexpectedly retired during training camp, was a guest on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike" and was asked if the Patriots have reached out to him about coming back and helping with their league-worst defense.

"No," Ninkovich said. "I think they are kind of respecting my decision."

More importantly, it sounds like the 33-year-old Ninkovich doesn't miss the brutality and everyday grind of the NFL season.

"I'm enjoying my time," Ninkovich said. "I've never had a September, October in my life, as an adult, to really enjoy it. And I am also enjoying Mondays and Tuesdays not feeling like I just got run over by a truck."

In the bigger picture, his comments are just another bad sign for the NFL. As salaries rise, players who are smart with their money are able to retire at younger ages rather than risk additional health risks, something Ninkovich touched on.

"I felt like [retiring] was in the best interest for my family to get out while I still had all my health," Ninkovich said.

In the meantime, the Patriots are going to have to find a different solution to fix their defense, which ranks dead-last in DVOA through four weeks.