On March 17th, 2021, 10-year New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower announced his retirement from the NFL. After a decade of playing for the Patriots, Hightower will be remembered as one of the most decorated players in franchise history.
Hightower was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He quickly became a staple of the Patriots defense, starting in all 16 games his rookie year. Over the next nine years, Hightower would become one of the most reliable and consistent players on the team. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, a two-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time All-Pro selection. He was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
Hightower was known for his leadership and his ability to make big plays in big moments. He was a leader on and off the field, and his presence will be missed in the Patriots locker room. He was also an incredibly durable player, missing only four games in his entire 10-year career.
The Patriots organization released a statement on Hightower’s retirement, saying “We are grateful for Dont’a’s contributions to our team over the past 10 seasons. He has been a leader on and off the field and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Hightower’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Patriots. He was a key part of their success over the past decade, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest linebackers to ever play for the franchise. His leadership and dedication to the team will be missed, but his legacy will live on for years to come.
