Dont’a Hightower’s retirement

 

As news of Dont’a Hightower’s retirement from the NFL broke, New England Patriots fans couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the linebacker’s incredible decade-long career with the team. Hightower, who played in three Super Bowls and won two Pro Bowls, announced his decision to retire in a heartfelt article published in the Players’ Tribune.

In the article, Hightower reflected on his time with the Pats, writing, “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?”

Indeed, Hightower’s story is one to remember. The former Alabama linebacker was the star of Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, where he got two sacks and three quarterback hits en route to holding the Rams to the lowest point total in Super Bowl history. He also made a game-changing stop in Super Bowl XLIX, stopping Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line with a minute left in the game and the Pats clinging to a 28–24 lead.

But perhaps Hightower’s most memorable play came in Super Bowl LI, where the Patriots overcame a 28–3 deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. With the Pats trailing 28–12 in the fourth quarter, Hightower made a strip-sack to Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan that led to a Patriots touchdown and a two-point conversion that tied the game and sent it to overtime. It was an epic comeback, and Hightower played a crucial role in making it happen.

Overall, Hightower was a great draft pick for the Pats. He played a vital role in the team’s three Super Bowl victories and held down the fort at linebacker for a decade. His contributions to the team will not be forgotten, and fans will always remember his career with awe and nostalgia.

We will undoubtedly miss this rising legend on the playing field.