Dont’a Hightower of the New England Patriots’ remarkable career has come to an end, capping a ten-year run. Legend Tom Brady, a hall of Famer, did not deter him from paying honor to this legend.
Dont’a spent 10 years as a player for the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowl titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018 and was chosen for two Pro Bowls. Throughout his 117 regular-season games in the NFL, Hightower recorded 27 sacks, 353 total tackles, and two forced fumbles.
Hightower’s high-voltage career with the New England Patriots
The Patriots selected Hightower with the 25th overall pick in 2012, and in 2017 the two sides agreed to a four-year, $35.5 million contract deal. In addition to a $10 million signing bonus, this agreement featured a $17 million guarantee. His net worth is estimated to be $50 million.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 6’3″ tall had decided not to play in the 2020 campaign which left his performance erratic when he came back in 2021. The linebacker missed most of the games in 2022, and that summer he became a free agent. The former Patriot, though, chose not to sign a new deal after becoming a free agent.
The 33-year-old announced his retirement in a post for The Player’s Tribune on Tuesday, March 21. What he gained was mostly with the patriots during his incredible career route, was mentioned in his post as sharing a lot of memory with the patriots.
“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?’
The linebacker gave all of his professional accomplishments to his mother, wife, 2-year-old son, coaches, teammates, mentors, teachers, friends, entire family, and ultimately to all of the Bama and New England fans.
‘To you, to my beautiful wife, Morgan, to all my coaches, my teammates, my mentors, my teachers, my friends, my entire family, and to all the fans at Bama and New England. Thank you. Just thank you. I wouldn’t rewrite a single chapter of this story.”
Tribute to Hightower from ex-patriot Tom Brady
Once Hightower made his statement fans and well-wishers flooded social media through congratulating him. The seven-time Super Bowl winner paid tribute to the legendary player on Instagram on Tuesday. While congratulating Hightower, Brady appreciated him as a great teammate, captain, and champion.
‘@_boomtower Clutch. A great teammate, captain, and champion. Congratulations on an amazing career.’
Bill Belichick also shared his tribute “Very few players were capable of as much as Dont’a, who could win from multiple positions with power, athleticism and his mind.”
Do you think Dont’a’s athleticism will be missed in the future or he has already delivered his all? Let us know in the comment section.
