![]() What did his 2020 season look like? With fellow veteran linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts all having left New England in free agency, Hightower was projected as a crucial member of the team’s 2020 defense. Jerod Mayo on the presence and absence of Dont’a Hightower: ‘I’m excited to get him back in the building’ Retirement was never an option for Dont’a Hightower during his opt-outĭont’a Hightower has no regrets about his opt-out: ‘If I had to do it again, I’d definitely do it the same way’īill Belichick on Dont’a Hightower’s return: ‘He’s worked right in very quickly’ February” due to his game-changing plays that helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls: he set up Malcolm Butler’s last-second interception by tackling Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch short of the goal line, forced a fumble during New England’s comeback against the Atlanta Falcons when he sacked Matt Ryan, and could very well have won MVP honors for his performance against the Los Angeles Rams.ĭont’a Hightower: Further reading Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images The three-time team captain earned the nickname “Mr. His signature moments, however, came on the game’s biggest stage. While he has not been able to play a full season since 2013 due to a multitude of injuries - only one of them season-ending, tough (a pectoral tear in 2017) - and opted out in 2020, Hightower repeatedly proved himself a difference maker for the team: he has a combined 28.5 sacks on his résumé, has recovered six fumbles and intercepted a pair of passes, and scored two touchdowns and a safety. ![]() Over his eights seasons since joining the Patriots, he has appeared in 102 regular season games as well as 16 playoff contests. Hightower also earned a starting role in his rookie year and has continuously been one of New England’s most valuable players and a team leader both on and off the field since the first day he stepped onto the field. Bringing the Alabama product on board paid immediate dividends not just because he scored a touchdown in his professional debut. What is his experience? Hightower arrived in the NFL when the Patriots traded up in the first round of the 2012 draft to select him with the 25th overall pick. Hard factsĬontract status: Under contract through 2021 (2022 UFA) Experience Today, the series continues with linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Over the course of spring and summer, just like we have in years past, we will take a look at the players fighting for those spots to find out who has the best chances of helping the Patriots bounce back from what was a disappointing 7-9 season last year. The team currently has 90 players under contract, but only 53 of them will be able to survive roster cutdowns in August and September and ultimately make the active team. ![]() With the offseason workout program in the books and training camp being kicked off later this month, the New England Patriots are already fully “on to 2021.” ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |