Patriots Defensive End Rob Ninkovich Joins Cast from 'Wicked Tuna' to Judge Third Annual Patriot Place Chili Cook Off

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.  – The cast of National Geographic Channel’s hit series “Wicked Tuna” is back for another helping of Patriot Place’s best chili as the group of spirited fishermen return to Foxborough to serve as celebrity judges for the third annual Patriot Place Chili Cook Off presented by Bass Pro Shops onSaturday, March 29, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Bass Pro Shops in Patriot Place’s South Marketplace.

Joining “Wicked Tuna” cast members in the critique of chili entries this year will be New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich, former Patriots offensive lineman Peter Brock and former Boston Bruins forward Lyndon Byers.

“This event continues to grow in popularity because it offers family fun and great food while benefitting a great community partner in the Hockomock Area YMCA,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “Last year, with help from the guys of ‘Wicked Tuna,’ we were able to raise $1,800 for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth and Families Campaign and hope to raise even more this year with a great lineup of celebrity judges and excellent chili recipes to enjoy.” 

In addition to meeting the celebrity judges, guests will enjoy chili samples and vote for their favorite recipe from six Patriot Place restaurants, including past champions Tavolino (2013 “Judges’ Award” and “Fan Favorite”; 2012 “Fan Favorite”) and Twenty8 (2012 “Judges’ Award”). Other restaurants competing in this year’s cook off are CBS Scene, Skipjack’s, Davio’s and Bass Pro Shops’ Blue Fin Lounge.

“We are looking forward to hosting the Chili Cook Off again this year along with our partners from Patriot Place,” said Walter Grammer, general manager at Bass Pro Shops. “With 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Hockomock Area YMCA, it’s a fun way to support a great cause. We are especially excited to have the team from ‘Wicked Tuna’ return as our celebrity judges this year. If anyone happens to make a tuna chili recipe, I bet they would rack up a lot of votes!”

Tickets, which can be purchased at Bass Pro Shops the day of the event, are just $3 per person with kids 5-and-under free, and all proceeds benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth & Families Campaign.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Patriot Place and Bass Pro Shops and all they do for our Y and the local community,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We look forward to this fun, family event each year and the funds raised help provide YMCA experiences to local families in need.”

“Wicked Tuna” follows a group of spirited fishermen from Gloucester, Mass., as they make their living the way their ancestors did centuries ago – man versus fish, rod versus fin, one catch at a time. The stakes are unforgiving, but the paydays can be huge, as the fleet navigates the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, searching for the magnificent and elusive bluefin tuna. One “monstah” catch can bring in as much as $20,000, but with a short fishing season and dwindling tuna populations, Gloucester’s fishermen are fighting for their economic survival every time they set sail. “Wicked Tuna” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on National Geographic Channel.

“Wicked Tuna” fans can also visit Fanautical at 264 Patriot Place to catch some great apparel, as seen on the hit show, from some of the star fishermen.