It came in dramatic fashion, but Dont’a Hightower now has two Super Bowl rings.
The former Alabama linebacker came up huge in the fourth quarter, when he recorded a forced fumble upon sacking Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan. Hightower’s effort would lead to two touchdown drives for the New England Patriots, tying the game at 28 heading into overtime.
Matt Ryan is SACKED.
And FUMBLES!@Patriots ball! #SB51 #Patriots https://t.co/o1lgQktgrI— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2017
Overall, he accounted for two tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries in New England’s 34-28 victory over Atlanta in Super Bowl 51. Hightower earned his first ring with the franchise in 2014, and was a part two BCS national championships teams at the University of Alabama (2009, 2011).
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
