For the New England Patriots, its upcoming fourth trip to the NFL Super Bowl in the past five years is a record to be admired and envied. The strength of the Belichick-Brady partnership, backed up by a field of incredible players, had made it one of the winningest teams in football history.

“It goes to show you that the mental toughness and that ‘just never quit mentality’ is one of the main characteristics of this team,” said Rob Ninkovich (pictured), a New England Patriots alumni.

Ninkovich spoke with Stu Miniman (@stu), host of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s mobile livestreaming studio, during the VTUG Winter Warmer event in Foxborough, Massachusetts, held at the Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. They discussed why it’s good to be flexible, no matter what you do in life, as well as Ninkovich’s involvement in an organization that helps at-risk children.

Adapting to change key to success — in any environment

As a member of the New England Patriots, and one who played in the NFL Super Bowl twice, Ninkovich moved from an outside linebacker to a defensive end during his pro-football career. He believes the ability to be a chameleon that can change and adapt to any environment is crucial to continuing success — not just for athletes, but for businesses as well.

“So if you’re just one thing and you never want to change and you never adapt, you’re going to be overtaken by somebody else,” Ninkovich said. It’s critical to do different things and explore other areas outside of known comfort zones, because it keeps the mind flexible and skills sharp, no matter what the future brings, he added.

Ninkovich feels a responsibility as an athlete with a high profile to give back to his community. He is on the board of directors of The Light Foundation, an organization started by Matt Light, another alum of the New England Patriots. The Light Foundation is a four-year program, geared toward children with troubled backgrounds, that gives at-risk kids a boost in life, introducing them to the wonders of the outdoors and teaching them the values of hard work, responsibility and accountability.

“It’s trying to bring kids together and show them some different things that can help them moving forward and [providing] life skills that everyone needs,” Ninkovich stated. To learn more about the organization, click here.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the VTUG Winter Warmer event.

Photo: SiliconANGLE