After a storied career in football, linebacker Dont’a Hightower is walking away from the game.
Hightower announced his retirement with a post to The Players Tribune issuing his thanks to the New England Patriots and reflecting on his time in the NFL.
It’s been a hell of a ride & a career beyond my wildest dreams. It’s time to hang em up, from the bottom of my heart – thank you to everyone who played a part. @playerstribune #boomtower https://t.co/Bb2hA9BL9A
— Dont'a Hightower (@zeus30hightower) March 21, 2023
“Today I am officially from the NFL,” Hightower wrote. “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?
“So this is a happy day for me, and I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate you embracing a Southern kid from Lewisburg, Tennessee.”
Within his announcement, Hightower relived some of his best memories with the Patriots including his draft day, the birth of his son, his tackle against the Seahawks which set up the legendary Malcolm Butler interception and his strip sack during the famous 28-3 comeback against the Falcons.
Hightower played a total of nine seasons all with the Patriots and played his college football at Alabama from 2008-11 where helped the Crimson Tide win two national championships.
His accolades at Alabama also included being named a Consensus All-American (2011) and first-team All-SEC (2011).
Hightower’s former head coach Nick Saban also participated in a tribute video for his retirement along with a few other former Alabama teammates Josh Chapman, Michael Neese and Kerry Murphy.
“Thank you. Just thank you. I wouldn’t rewrite a single chapter of this story.”
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
