Dont'a Hightower

Qualin Dont'a Hightower[1] (born March 12, 1990) is an American former football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons with the New England Patriots. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, receiving consensus All-American honors and winning two BCS National Championships. Hightower was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Patriots, where he was named to two Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowl titles.

Dont'a Hightower
refer to caption
Hightower with the New England Patriots in 2014
No. 54
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1990-03-12) March 12, 1990
Lewisburg, Tennessee, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:260 lb (118 kg)
Career information
High school:Marshall County (Lewisburg, Tennessee)
College:Alabama (2008–2011)
NFL Draft:2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:569
Sacks:27.0
Pass deflections:18
Interceptions:1
Forced fumbles:2
Fumble recoveries:5
Defensive touchdowns:2
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Hightower was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee. He attended Marshall County High School in Lewisburg, where he played for the Marshall County Tigers high school football team.[2] He first drew recognition his sophomore year when the team's starting running back quit the team. In the last four games of the season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns.[3] After growing to 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) prior to his junior year, Hightower was moved to linebacker and tight end. He collected 98 tackles, two sacks, and seven forced fumbles as a linebacker and caught 18 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns at tight end.[3]

Having grown to six feet, three inches tall as a senior, Hightower again switched positions to defensive end. After recording 168 tackles (14 for loss), five forced fumbles, five interceptions and four fumble recoveries, he was named 3A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year and The Tennesseans Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2007. He also added 875 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense.

Hightower was selected to play in the U.S. Army East West All-Star Game in San Antonio, Texas.

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com,[4] Hightower was listed as the No. 15 inside linebacker in the nation in 2008.[5] He chose Alabama over Auburn, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.

College career
Hightower during the 2011 LSU vs. Alabama football game.

"Dont'a [Hightower] can play any position on the field. He's a freak to me."

—Alabama teammate Rolando McClain.[6]

Hightower attended the University of Alabama, where he played for the Crimson Tide football team from 2008 to 2011.[7]

2008 season

As one of only two true freshmen to be regular starter for the Crimson Tide in 2008, Hightower started 12 games while playing in all 14 at weakside inside linebacker ("Will") in the Alabama's 3–4 defense, next to Rolando McClain who occupied the other inside linebacker spot ("Mike"). Hightower recorded 64 tackles (4th on the team) and 2.5 tackles for loss, while also having one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He had at least one tackle in each game and had five or more stops in seven of 14 games, including 10 against Tulane and a career-high 11 at LSU.[8][9][10] He was subsequently named to numerous Freshman All-American teams.[11][12][13]

2009 season

For the 2009 season, during the Arkansas game, Hightower suffered a knee injury in the first quarter when he was cut blocked by an Arkansas lineman. He was diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and missed the rest of the season with surgery.[14] True freshman Nico Johnson replaced him at weak side linebacker. Hightower recorded 16 tackles including four tackles for loss.[15] Having played only four games, he was granted a medical redshirt making him a redshirt sophomore in 2010.

2010 season

Returning for the 2010 season, Hightower was expected to "be the nucleus of a young defense".[16] He replaced McClain as Alabama's middle linebacker.[17]

2011 season

In 2011, he captained a defense that ranked No. 1 nationally in all five major categories—scoring defense (8.8 ppg), total defense (191.3 ypg), rushing defense (74.9 ypg), pass efficiency defense (83.9 ypg) and pass defense (116.3 ypg). Hightower led the team with a career-best 81 tackles, including 37 solo stops, as well as three sacks (−16 yards) and 9.5 tackles for loss (−35 yards). He also registered eight quarterback hurries, one interception, one blocked field goal and three pass breakups.

Hightower was a consensus first-team All-American by the Associated Press, AFCA and Walter Camp as well as Rivals.com and Pro Football Weekly.[18] He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, the Butkus Award, and the Lott Trophy.

College statistics
Season Games Tackles Sacks Interceptions Fumbles Kick Blk
GPGSCmbSoloAstTfLYdsSckYdsQBHIntYdsBUPDFFFRYds
2008 14126426382.560.00600001280
2009 44165114.071.04200110000
2010 14147030403.580.00912351000
2011 131385404511.0464.0268129341001
Total555323510113421.0675.030252317103281

Professional career

As early as April 2011, Hightower was projected a potential first-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.[19][20] Shortly after the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, he announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility.[21] Right after the season ended, he was projected a late first-round selection.[22][23] After solid performances at the NFL Combine and Alabama Pro Day, he was still regarded as a late first-rounder.[24]

External video
video icon Dont'a Hightower's NFL Combine workout
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jump
6 ft 2+1⁄4 in
(1.89 m)		 265 lb
(120 kg)		 32+5⁄8 in
(0.83 m)		 9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		4.68 s1.66 s2.74 s4.64 s7.55 s32 in
(0.81 m)		9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Alabama's Pro Day[25][26]

2012

The New England Patriots selected Hightower in the first round (25th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.[27] He was the third linebacker selected in 2012, behind Boston College's Luke Kuechly (9th overall) and South Carolina's Melvin Ingram (18th overall).[28]

External video
video icon Patriots select Dont'a Hightower

On July 19, 2012, the New England Patriots signed Hightower to a four-year, $7.72 million contract that includes $6.28 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.05 million.[29][30]

Throughout training camp, he competed for the job as the starting strongside linebacker against Rob Ninkovich.[31] Head coach Bill Belichick named him the opening day starter, alongside Jerod Mayo and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes.[32]

He made his first career start and professional regular season debut in the New England Patriots' season-opener at the Tennessee Titans and recorded five combined tackles and returned a fumble recovery for a six-yard touchdown during their 34–13 victory. His touchdown in the second quarter marked the first of his career.[33] On September 30, 2012, he recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, before leaving in the first half of their 52–28 victory at the Buffalo Bills due to a hamstring injury.[34] The injury sidelined him for the next two games (Weeks 5–6).[35] In Week 7, Hightower collected a season-high seven solo tackles and sacked Mark Sanchez as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets 29–26 in overtime.[36] On December 16, 2012, Hightower made a season-high eight combined tackles and broke up a pass during their 41–34 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.[37] He finished the 2012 season with 60 combined tackles (43 solo), four sacks, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown in 14 games and 13 starts.[38]

The New England Patriots finished the 2012 season atop the AFC East with a 12–4 record, clinching home field advantage and a first round bye.[39] On January 13, 2013, Hightower started his first career playoff game and recorded three combined tackles in the Patriots' 41–28 victory against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round.[40] The following week, he made three combined tackles as the Patriots lost 28–13 to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens, in the AFC Championship.[41]

2013

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia retained Hightower, Mayo, and Spikes as the starting linebackers to begin the 2013 regular season.[42]

On October 20, 2013, Hightower recorded 11 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 30–27 loss at the New York Jets.[43] The following week, he collected ten combined tackles (five solo) and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the Patriots' 27–17 win against the Miami Dolphins.[44] In Week 14, he tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (seven solo) in a 27–26 win against the Cleveland Browns.[45] He finished the 2013 season with 97 combined tackles (55 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts.[46]

The New England Patriots clinched another AFC East title with a 12–4 record and received a first round bye.[47] On January 11, 2014, Hightower collected eight combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by Andrew Luck during a 43–22 win against the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round.[48] The following week, he made eight combined tackles as the Patriots lost 26–16 to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game.[49]

2014

During training camp, Hightower was moved to weakside linebacker, replacing Jerod Mayo who was named the starting middle linebacker after the departure of Brandon Spikes. Head coach Bill Belichick named Hightower and Jamie Collins Sr. the starting outside linebackers to start the regular season with Jerod Mayo starting at middle linebacker.[50]

On September 14, 2014, Hightower recorded eight combined tackles, broke up a pass, and had two sacks on Matt Cassel during the Patriots' 30–7 victory at the Minnesota Vikings.[51] It marked his first career multi-sack game. Hightower missed two consecutive games (Weeks 5–6) due to a knee.[52] In Week 7, he recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and a sack in the Patriots' 27–25 win against the New York Jets. In Week 13, Hightower recorded ten combined tackles (four solo) and a sack on Aaron Rodgers during a 26–21 loss at the Green Bay Packers. He missed the following game (Week 14) due to a shoulder injury he sustained against the Packers.[53] Hightower also missed the Patriots' Week 17 loss against the Buffalo Bills after aggravating his shoulder injury.[54] Hightower finished the 2014 season with 89 combined tackles (51 solo), six sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 12 games and 12 starts.[55]

The New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 12–4 record and clinched home field advantage and a first round bye.[56] They defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship and went on to Super Bowl XLIX.[57][58] On February 1, 2015, Hightower started in Super Bowl XLIX and recorded five combined tackles during the Patriots' 28–24 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. He made a key play near the end of the fourth quarter, tackling Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line to prevent a touchdown that would have given the Seahawks the lead, and likely the title. The Patriots secured their victory on the next play after teammate Malcolm Butler intercepted a pass by Russell Wilson. Because Butler caught the ball inside the one yard line, Hightower ensured he got out of the end zone to prevent a safety.[59][60]

2015

On April 30, 2015, the New England Patriots exercised the fifth-year, $7.751 million option on Hightower's rookie contract.[61]

In Week 2, Hightower recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo) and was credited with half a sack during a 40–32 win at the Buffalo Bills.[62] On November 29, 2015, Hightower collected three combined tackles, but left the Patriots' 30–24 loss at the Denver Broncos after suffering a sprained MCL in his left knee. He went on to miss the next two games (Weeks 13–14) due to the injury to his MCL.[63] Hightower was inactive for the Patriots' Week 17 loss at the Miami Dolphins due to a sprained MCL injury he aggravated the previous week.[64] He finished the season with 61 combined tackles (51 solo), 3.5 sacks, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery in 12 games and 12 starts.[65]

The Patriots clinched another AFC East title with a 12–4 record and had a rematch with the Broncos in the AFC Championship, but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions by a score of 20–18.[66][67]

2016

Hightower entered training camp as the starting middle linebacker after Jerod Mayo announced his retirement. Head coach Bill Belichick officially named Hightower the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season, alongside outside linebackers Jamie Collins and Jonathan Freeny.[68] The New England Patriots announced Hightower was selected to be one of four team captains to represent the Patriots for the season.[69]

He started the New England Patriots' season-opener at the Arizona Cardinals, but left in the second quarter of their 23–21 victory with an MCL injury. The following day, it was reported that Hightower had suffered a slight tear to his meniscus and was sidelined for the next two games (Weeks 2–3).[70] On October 16, 2016, Hightower registered 13 combined tackles (ten solo), 1.5 sacks, and recorded his first career safety on a sack on Bengals' quarterback Andy Dalton during their 35–17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was voted as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 6 performance against the Bengals.[71][72] On December 20, 2016, it was announced that Hightower was named to the 2017 Pro Bowl, marking the first of his career[73][74] Hightower finished the 2016 season with 65 combined tackles (31 solo), 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and a safety in 13 games and 13 starts.[75] Hightower received enough votes from his peers to finish 94th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.[76]

The New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East and clinched a first round bye and a playoff berth with a 14–2 record.[77] They went on to defeat the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship.[78][79] On February 5, 2017, Hightower appeared in Super Bowl LI and helped the Patriots overcome a 25-point deficit and defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. Hightower recorded two solo tackles, one sack, and forced a fumble deep in Atlanta territory which was recovered by the Patriots to help make it a one-possession game.[80][81]

2017

On March 15, 2017, the New England Patriots signed Hightower to a four-year, $35.5 million contract that includes $17 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus.[29][82][83] It was later reported that Hightower met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, but failed a physical with the Jets due to a slight tear in his pectoral muscle.[84]

Head coach Bill Belichick named him the starting middle linebacker, along with outside linebackers David Harris and Kyle Van Noy.[85] Hightower was the only returning starter after the Patriots traded Jamie Collins and Jonathan Freeny departed in free agency.

He started the New England Patriots' season-opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, but left their 42–27 loss in the second quarter after sustaining a knee injury.[86] The knee injury unfortunately sidelined Hightower for the next two games (Weeks 2–3). On October 15, 2017, Hightower recorded a season-high seven combined tackles and a sack as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets 24–17.[87] In Week 7, he made one solo tackle in the Patriots' 23–7 win against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. The following day, it was announced that it was discovered to be a torn pectoral muscle and would likely sideline Hightower for the remainder of the season.[88] On November 7, 2017, the New England Patriots placed Hightower on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.[89] Hightower finished the 2017 season with 14 combined tackles (12 solo) and two sacks in five games and five starts.[90]

The Patriots replaced Hightower with Elandon Roberts and managed to finish the season atop the AFC East with a 13–3 record.[91] They went on to defeat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship game before losing 41–33 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.[92][93][94]

2018

Hightower returned as a starter in 2018, alongside Kyle Van Noy and rookie Ja'Whaun Bentley. In Week 7, He blocked a punt that was recovered by Van Noy and returned for a touchdown, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[95] He finished the 2018 season with one sack, 48 total tackles, one interception, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery in 15 starts.[96] The Patriots finished the season 11–5, again clinching the AFC East.[97] During Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, Hightower finished with two sacks and a pass deflection as the Patriots won 13–3.[98]

2019
Hightower in a game against the Washington Redskins

In Week 5 against the Washington Redskins, Hightower recorded a team-high eight tackles and sacked Colt McCoy 1.5 times in the 33–7 win.[99] In Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, Hightower recovered a fumble lost by running back Nick Chubb and returned it for a touchdown in the 27–13 win. This was his first touchdown since Week 1 of the 2012 season.[100][101] In the 2019 season, Hightower appeared in and started 15 games. He recorded 5.5 sacks, 71 total tackles, four passes defensed, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.[102]

2020

On August 2, 2020, Hightower announced his intention to opt out of the 2020 season, due to concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[103][104]

2021

In 2021, Hightower returned to the Patriots and played in 15 of the 17 regular season games and their Wild Card Round game against Buffalo. He finished with 64 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one pass defensed on the year.[105] His contract expired on March 16, 2022.[106]

Retirement

After not playing the entire 2022 season, Hightower announced his retirement on March 21, 2023.[107]

NFL career statistics
Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckSftyPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRTD
2012NE 14136043174.003000.000021
2013NE 161411365481.003000.000000
2014NE 121210561446.002000.000100
2015NE 12126151103.502000.000010
2016NE 13136531342.512000.000100
2017NE 55141222.000000.000000
2018NE 15154824241.00112727.0270010
2019NE 15157147245.504000.000011
2020NE 00did not play due to Covid-19 opt-out
2021NE 15156439251.501000.000000
Total11711456935321627.011812727.0270252

References
  1. "Dont'a Hightower Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  2. "Former Marshall County star Hightower set for Super Bowl". The Daily Herald. January 31, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  3. Porter, Yancy (March 19, 2007). "Dont'a Hightower's recruiting profile". Scout.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2009. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  4. "Don'ta Hightower, 2008 Inside Linebacker". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  5. "Rivals.com inside linebackers 2008". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  6. Cooper, Josh (April 5, 2009). "Saban finally has experienced linebackers". The Anniston Star.
  7. "Dont'a Hightower College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  8. "Tulane at Alabama Box Score, September 6, 2008". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  9. "Alabama at LSU Box Score, November 8, 2008". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  10. "Dont'a Hightower 2008 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  11. "AON Insurance/FWAA Freshman All-America Team". FWAA. January 8, 2009.
  12. Cirminiello, Richard (December 11, 2008). "2008 CFN All-Freshman Second & HM Teams". College Football News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2008. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  13. "Rivals.com 2008 Freshman All-America teams". Rivals.com. December 17, 2008. Archived from the original on June 4, 2009.
  14. Goodbread, Chase (September 28, 2008). "Hightower out for the season with knee injury". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  15. "Dont'a Hightower 2009 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  16. Kausler Jr., Don (November 16, 2009). "Alabama analysis: 2010 defense will have a tough act to follow, but the talent will be there". The Birmingham News. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  17. Low, Chris (August 11, 2010). "Hybrid role suits Tide's Hightower just fine". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  18. "Consensus All-America Teams (2010-2019)". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  19. Pauline, Tony (May 3, 2011). "Stanford's Luck headlines early look at top 2012 draft prospects". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  20. Reuter, Chad (May 4, 2011). "2012 mock draft: First look with Luck and Heels". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  21. Casagrande, Michael (August 28, 2012). "Alabama football: Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dont'a Hightower leave Crimson Tide early for NFL draft; Robert Lester stays for senior season". Ledger-Enquirer. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  22. Perloff, Andrew (January 10, 2012). "Andrew Perloff: 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post-BCS Championship Game version". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  23. "Andrew Luck tops pre-Super Bowl NFL mock draft". CNN.com. January 27, 2012. Archived from the original on January 28, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  24. "2012 NFL Mock Draft 3.0". CNN.com. March 23, 2012. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  25. "NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Dont'a Hightower". NFL.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  26. "*Donta Hightower - ILB - Alabama - 2012 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  27. Alper, Josh (April 27, 2012). "Patriots trade up again, land Dont'a Hightower". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  28. "2012 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  29. "Spotrac.com: Dont'a Hightower contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  30. Schefter, Adam (July 18, 2012). "Pats reach deal with first-round pick Hightower". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  31. "New England Patriots training camp 2012: With Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont'a Hightower, linebacker crew has high hopes". MassLive.com. Associated Press. August 6, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  32. "Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 10/01/2012". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  33. "New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans - September 9th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  34. "New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 30th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  35. Rosenthal, Greg (September 30, 2012). "Week 4 Injury Roundup". NFL.com. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  36. "New York Jets at New England Patriots - October 21st, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  37. "San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots - December 16th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  38. "Dont'a Hightower 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  39. "2012 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  40. "Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  41. "AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - January 20th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  42. "Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 09/05/2013". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  43. "New England Patriots at New York Jets - October 20th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  44. "Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - October 27th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  45. "Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots - December 8th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  46. "Dont'a Hightower 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  47. "2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  48. "Divisional Round - Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots - January 11th, 2014". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  49. "AFC Championship - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 19th, 2014". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  50. "Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 09/01/2014". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  51. "New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings - September 14th, 2014". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  52. Knopping, Greg (October 5, 2014). "Patriots Inactives vs. Bengals: Hightower Out". PatsPulpit.com. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  53. "Week 14 Injury Report". newyorkjets.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  54. Duffy, Kevin (September 28, 2014). "Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Brandon Browner inactive for New England Patriots versus Buffalo Bills". MassLive.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  55. "Dont'a Hightower 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  56. "2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  57. "Divisional Round - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - January 10th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  58. "AFC Championship - Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots - January 18th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  59. Filipiak, Brian (February 12, 2015). "Super Bowl XLIX Recap: The Dont'a Hightower Tackle - Inside The Pylon". Inside The Pylon. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  60. "Super Bowl XLIX - Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots - February 1st, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  61. Reiss, Mike (April 30, 2015). "Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower have fifth-year options picked up by Patriots". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  62. "New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 20th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  63. "Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower has sprained MCL". Boston Globe. November 30, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  64. Daniels, Mark (December 31, 2015). "Dont'a Hightower is one of many Patriots fighting through injuries". AL.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  65. "Dont'a Hightower 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  66. "2015 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  67. "AFC Championship - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 24th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  68. Hill, Rich (September 4, 2016). "New England Patriots' 2016 Depth Chart after final roster cuts". PatsPulpit.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  69. Wilkins, James (September 6, 2016). "Patriots Name 4 Team Captains for 2016 season". wbsm.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  70. Dillon, Kevin (September 28, 2016). "Dont'a Hightower injury update: Patriots LB recovering from 'slight tear' of meniscus (report)". MassLive.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  71. Mahoney, Andrew (October 19, 2016). "Dont'a Hightower named defensive player of the week". Boston Globe. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  72. "Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots - October 16th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  73. "NFL announces 2017 Pro Bowl rosters". NFL.com. December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  74. "Three rookies, Matt Ryan among players named to All-Pro team". NFL.com. January 6, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  75. "Dont'a Hightower 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  76. "2017 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  77. "2016 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  78. "Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 14th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  79. "AFC Championship - Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots - January 22nd, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  80. Wesseling, Chris (February 5, 2017). "New England Patriots win Super Bowl LI". NFL.com. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  81. "Super Bowl LI - National Football League Game Summary" (PDF). National Football League. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  82. Payan, Gregory (March 16, 2017). "Here are the full details of Dont'a Hightower's contract extension". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  83. "Patriots re-sign LB Dont'a Hightower". Patriots.com. March 16, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  84. Hughes, Connor (March 17, 2017). "Jets were 'out' on Dont'a Hightower after troubling physical, source says". NJ.com. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  85. "Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 10/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  86. Polacek, Scott (September 8, 2017). "Dont'a Hightower Leaves Game vs. Chiefs with Knee Injury". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  87. "New England Patriots at New York Jets - October 15th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  88. Patra, Kevin (October 26, 2017). "Pats LB Dont'a Hightower out for season with torn pec". NFL.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  89. "Patriots sign DL Ricky Jean Francois; Place LB Dont'a Hightower on Injured Reserve; Sign DL Mike Purcell to the Practice Squad". Patriots.com. November 7, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  90. "Dont'a Hightower 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  91. "2017 New England Patriots Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  92. "Divisional Round - Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  93. "AFC Championship - Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots - January 21st, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  94. "Super Bowl LII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots - February 4th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  95. "Cam Newton, Aaron Donald among Players of the Week". NFL.com. October 24, 2018. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  96. "Dont'a Hightower 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  97. "2018 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  98. Wesseling, Chris (February 3, 2019). "Patriots defeat Rams 13–3 in Super Bowl LIII". NFL.com. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  99. "Brady carries unbeaten Patriots past winless Redskins 33-7". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
  100. Inabinett, Mark (October 27, 2019). "Dont'a Hightower back in an NFL end zone after 7 years". AL.com. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  101. "Belichick wins 300th, perfect Patriots beat Browns 27-13". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  102. "Dont'a Hightower 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  103. Patra, Kevin (July 28, 2020). "Dont'a Hightower, Patrick Chung among six Patriots to opt out". NFL.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  104. "Patriots Make Roster Transactions". Patriots.com. August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  105. "Dont'a Hightower 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  106. Whitt, Richie (August 15, 2022). "Patriots Still Hoping For Return Of Super Bowl Hero?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  107. Patra, Kevin (March 21, 2023). "Patriots linebacker, three-time Super Bowl champion Dont'a Hightower announces retirement". NFL.com. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.