Patriots all-time great reveals wild fact in retirement announcement
One of the most impactful players in New England Patriots history officially announced his retirement Tuesday. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower made the news official on The Players Tribune after taking the 2022 season off from football. “Today, I am officially retiring from the NFL. I know these announcements always feel bittersweet, but I can’t think of […]
One of the most impactful players in New England Patriots history officially announced his retirement Tuesday.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower made the news official on The Players Tribune after taking the 2022 season off from football.
“Today, I am officially retiring from the NFL. I know these announcements always feel bittersweet, but I can’t think of a better story than the one I wrote in New England. A decade, three Super Bowls, two Pro Bowls, and the birth of my son — all playing for one franchise. How many guys have a story like that?”
Hightower recounted the most important plays of his career, including his tackle of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch at the goal line before Malcolm Butler interception in Super Bowl XLIX and his strip-sack of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in New England’s Super Bowl LI comeback win.
But he also revealed he was sick in the week leading up to the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII win over the Los Angeles Rams in which Hightower had three sacks.
"That third ring? Just as sweet, despite dealing with food poisoning in the days leading up to the game. All I can say is, when Sunday rolled around, you already know what it is….
"Do your job."
Hightower never played in a Super Bowl he lost (he was injured in 2017 when the Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles). He more than lived up to being the 25th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft as a defensive captain, two-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Super Bowl champion. The countdown is on until he gets a red jacket in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Hightower finished his nine-year NFL career with 27 sacks, 569 tackles, 18 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, two defensive touchdowns, 43 tackles for loss, 67 QB hits and countless playoff moments. He was one of the best run-thumping linebackers of his era.
Among players not named Tom Brady who were part of the Patriots' second dynasty, Hightower ranks right up there in importance with Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Devin McCourty.
Featured image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
