The New England Patriots will say goodbye to one of their key contributors of the past half decade with today’s announcement that linebacker Rob Ninkovich is calling it a career.

460 Tackles. 46 Sacks. 5 INTs. 10 Forced Fumbles. 14 Fumble Recoveries. 2 TDs. 2x Super Bowl Champion. Thank you, @ninko50. pic.twitter.com/IBBdSFJDKP — PatriotsNation™️ (@PatsNationTM) July 30, 2017

The linebacker, originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, saw his career take off under the tutelage of Belichick when he joined the Patriots squad in 2009.

See how Twitter reacted to the news of Ninkovich’s retirement.

Rob Ninkovich belongs in the same defensive thought huddle as Vrabel, Bruschi, McGinest: consummate Patriot. — Fitzy (@FitzyGFY) July 30, 2017

Thank you for everything Rob Ninkovich! Enjoy your Retirement #Patriots #2XChamp — Dimas J. Vasquez (@dimas_vasquez) July 30, 2017

Tom Brady and Rob Ninkovich share an embrace at the end of Ninkovich's retirement press conference. pic.twitter.com/x1lj7OuEVx — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 30, 2017

Rob Ninkovich and his sexy beard are officially retired. I don't know how my emotions will be able to handle this 😭 — Tina (@Smekygirl) July 30, 2017

Rob Ninkovich was a hugely underrated Patriot. Like #50 before him, Mike Vrabel, he always seemed to come up with a big play in big spots. — Adam Kivell (@adamkivell) July 30, 2017

I think Rob Ninkovich has the personality to develop in to a very good Coach.

He says is open to comeback to camp and help young players. — Enrique Garay (@quiquegaray) July 30, 2017

I can see Rob Ninkovich being an amazing positional coach in the NFL. — Tom (@Roon_Shakalaka) July 30, 2017

Not necessarily a Patriots fan but am definitely a fan of Rob Ninkovich. Loved his grit and determination. #playmaker — Hugh Jorgen (@HughJorgen8) July 30, 2017

The very essence of a NEPatriot: gritty, determined, overachieving, loyal, classy, winner: "Rob Ninkovich" — NEPatriot (@coachejs) July 30, 2017