Dont’a Hightower is retiring from football. The former New England Patriots linebacker officially announced his decision in an essay posted on The Players’ Tribune on Tuesday.
Hightower retires having spent all of his nine seasons as a pro with the Pats and helping the franchise win three Super Bowls. The 33-year-old last played in 2021, starting 15 games and contributing 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
“I know these announcements always feel bittersweet, but I can’t think of a better story than the one I wrote in New England,” Hightower wrote. “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?”
Dont’a Hightower was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and went on to take the starting place on the linebacker position for the Patriots in his rookie season. He brought versatility and stability to New England’s defense while making plays in key moments. One of the most memorable ones was his strip sack on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan which fueled the memorable comeback for New England in Super Bowl LI.
Hightower finishes his career with 569 tackles, 27.0 sacks, 18 pass deflections, five fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
