:Dont'a Hightower
{{Short description|American football player (born 1990)}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Dont'a Hightower
| image = Dont'a Hightower Patriots.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Hightower with the New England Patriots in 2014
| current_team =
| number = 45, 54
| position = Linebacker
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|3|12|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Lewisburg, Tennessee, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lbs = 260
| high_school = Marshall County {{nowrap|(Lewisburg, Tennessee)}}
| college = Alabama (2008–2011)
| draftyear = 2012
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 25
| pastteams = * New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2012}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
| pastcoaching = * New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2024}})
Inside linebackers coach
| status =
| highlights = * 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- Second-team All-Pro (2016)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2016, 2019)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- 2× BCS national champion (2009, 2011)
- Consensus All-American (2011)
- First-team All-SEC (2011)
- Second-team All-SEC (2010)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 569
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 27.0
| statlabel3 = Pass deflections
| statvalue3 = 18
| statlabel4 = Interceptions
| statvalue4 = 1
| statlabel5 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue5 = 2
| statlabel6 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue6 = 5
| statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue7 = 2
| pfr = HighDo01
}}
Qualin Dont'a Hightower{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} (born March 12, 1990) is an American football coach and former linebacker who most recently served as the inside linebackers coach for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Patriots. Hightower played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, receiving consensus All-American honors and winning two BCS National Championships. Selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Patriots, he was named to two Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowl titles.
Early life
Hightower was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee. He attended Marshall County High School in Lewisburg, where he played for the Marshall County Tigers high school football team.{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2015 |title=Former Marshall County star Hightower set for Super Bowl |url=http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/article/20150131/SPORTS/301319993 |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=The Daily Herald |language=en}} He first drew recognition his sophomore year when the team's starting running back quit the team. In the last four games of the season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns.{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Yancy |date=March 19, 2007 |title=Dont'a Hightower's recruiting profile |work=Scout.com |url=http://recruiting.scout.com/2/627892.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826145519/http://recruiting.scout.com/2/627892.html |archive-date=August 26, 2009}} After growing to {{convert|6|ft|2|in|m|2|abbr=on}} prior to his junior year, Hightower was moved to linebacker and tight end. He collected 98 tackles, two sacks, and seven forced fumbles as a linebacker and caught 18 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns at tight end.
Having grown to six feet, three inches tall as a senior, Hightower again switched positions to defensive end. After recording 168 tackles (14 for loss), five forced fumbles, five interceptions and four fumble recoveries, he was named 3A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year and The Tennesseans Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2007. He also added 875 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense.
Hightower was selected to play in the U.S. Army East West All-Star Game in San Antonio, Texas.
Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com,{{Cite web |title=Don'ta Hightower, 2008 Inside Linebacker |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2008/don-ta-hightower-14648 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}} Hightower was listed as the No. 15 inside linebacker in the nation in 2008.{{Cite web |title=Rivals.com inside linebackers 2008 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-1830/0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305105029/https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-1830/0 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Rivals.com}} He chose Alabama over Auburn, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.
College career
File:Dont'a Hightower 2011.jpg.]]
{{Quote box| width=20em|align=left
|quote = "Dont'a [Hightower] can play any position on the field. He's a freak to me."|source=—Alabama teammate Rolando McClain.{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Josh |date=April 5, 2009 |title=Saban finally has experienced linebackers |work=The Anniston Star |url=http://www.annistonstar.com/sports/2009/as-college-0405-jcooper-9d04w2320.htm}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}}}
Hightower attended the University of Alabama, where he played for the Crimson Tide football team from 2008 to 2011.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/donta-hightower-1.html |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
=2008 season=
As one of only two true freshmen to be regular starter for the Crimson Tide in 2008, Hightower started 12 games while playing in all 14 at weakside inside linebacker ("Will") in Alabama's 3–4 defense, next to Rolando McClain who occupied the other inside linebacker spot ("Mike"). Hightower recorded 64 tackles (4th on the team) and 2.5 tackles for loss, while also having one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He had at least one tackle in each game and had five or more stops in seven of 14 games, including 10 against Tulane and a career-high 11 at LSU.{{Cite web |title=Tulane at Alabama Box Score, September 6, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-06-alabama.html |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Alabama at LSU Box Score, November 8, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-08-louisiana-state.html |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/donta-hightower-1/gamelog/2008/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was subsequently named to numerous Freshman All-American teams.{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2009 |title=AON Insurance/FWAA Freshman All-America Team |url=http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2008/allamerica090108.html |publisher=FWAA}}{{Cite web |last=Cirminiello |first=Richard |date=December 11, 2008 |title=2008 CFN All-Freshman Second & HM Teams |url=http://cfn.scout.com/2/820618.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215073828/http://cfn.scout.com/2/820618.html |archive-date=December 15, 2008 |access-date=June 6, 2009 |website=College Football News}}{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2008 |title=Rivals.com 2008 Freshman All-America teams |url=http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=890291 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604224114/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=890291 |archive-date=June 4, 2009 |website=Rivals.com}}
=2009 season=
For the 2009 season, during the Arkansas game, Hightower suffered a knee injury in the first quarter when he was cut blocked by an Arkansas lineman. He was diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and missed the rest of the season with surgery.{{Cite web |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Hightower out for the season with knee injury |url=https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2009/09/28/hightower-out-for-the-season-with-knee-injury/27923461007/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=The Tuscaloosa News |language=en-US}} True freshman Nico Johnson replaced him at weak side linebacker. Hightower recorded 16 tackles including four tackles for loss.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/donta-hightower-1/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Having played only four games, he was granted a medical redshirt making him a redshirt sophomore in 2010.
=2010 season=
Returning for the 2010 season, Hightower was expected to "be the nucleus of a young defense".{{Cite web |last=Kausler Jr. |first=Don |date=November 16, 2009 |title=Alabama analysis: 2010 defense will have a tough act to follow, but the talent will be there |url=http://blog.al.com/tide-source/2009/11/alabama_analysis_2010_defense.html |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=The Birmingham News}} He replaced McClain as Alabama's middle linebacker.{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Chris |date=August 11, 2010 |title=Hybrid role suits Tide's Hightower just fine |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/12524/hybrid-role-suits-tides-hightower-just-fine |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}
=2011 season=
In 2011, he captained a defense that ranked No. 1 nationally in all five major categories—scoring defense (8.8 ppg), total defense (191.3 ypg), rushing defense (74.9 ypg), pass efficiency defense (83.9 ypg) and pass defense (116.3 ypg). Hightower led the team with a career-best 81 tackles, including 37 solo stops, as well as three sacks (−16 yards) and 9.5 tackles for loss (−35 yards). He also registered eight quarterback hurries, one interception, one blocked field goal and three pass breakups.
Hightower was a consensus first-team All-American by the Associated Press, AFCA and Walter Camp as well as Rivals.com and Pro Football Weekly.{{Cite web |title=Consensus All-America Teams (2010–2019) |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2010-2019.html |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, the Butkus Award, and the Lott Trophy.
=College statistics=
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Tackles ! colspan="3"| Sacks ! colspan="4"| Interceptions ! colspan="3"| Fumbles ! rowspan="2"| Kick Blk | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | TfL | Yds | Sck | Yds | QBH | Int | Yds | BU | PD | FF | FR | Yds | ||
| 2008
| 14 || 12 || 64 || 26 || 38 || 2.5 || 6 || 0.0 || 0 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 8 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2009
| 4 || 4 || 16 || 5 || 11 || 4.0 || 7 || 1.0 || 4 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2010
| 14 || 14 || 70 || 30 || 40 || 3.5 || 8 || 0.0 || 0 || 9 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2011
| 13 || 13 || 85 || 40 || 45 || 11.0 || 46 || 4.0 || 26 || 8 || 1 || 29 || 3 || 4 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20110924223912/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/teamcume.html Total] | 55 | 53 | 235 | 101 | 134 | 21.0 | 67 | 5.0 | 30 | 25 | 2 | 31 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
As early as April 2011, Hightower was projected a potential first-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL draft.{{Cite magazine |last=Pauline |first=Tony |date=May 3, 2011 |title=Stanford's Luck headlines early look at top 2012 draft prospects |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2011/05/03/2012-prospects |access-date=December 4, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}{{Cite web |last=Reuter |first=Chad |date=May 4, 2011 |title=2012 mock draft: First look with Luck and Heels |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15029593/mock-draft-first-look-with-luck-and-heels |url-status=dead |website=CBSSports.com |access-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-date=May 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522225342/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15029593/mock-draft-first-look-with-luck-and-heels }} Shortly after the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, he announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility.{{Cite web |last=Casagrande |first=Michael |date=August 28, 2012 |title=Alabama football: Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dont'a Hightower leave Crimson Tide early for NFL draft; Robert Lester stays for senior season |url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-alabama/article29218429.html |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Ledger-Enquirer |language=en-US}} Right after the season ended, he was projected a late first-round selection.{{Cite magazine |last=Perloff |first=Andrew |date=January 10, 2012 |title=Andrew Perloff: 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post-BCS Championship Game version |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2012/01/10/2012-nflmockdraft |access-date=December 4, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Andrew Luck tops pre-Super Bowl NFL mock draft |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/01/26/mock-draft/index.html |url-status=dead |website=CNN.com |access-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-date=January 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128230331/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/01/26/mock-draft/index.html }} After solid performances at the NFL Combine and Alabama Pro Day, he was still regarded as a late first-rounder.{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2012 |title=2012 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/03/23/2012.mock.draft.3/index.html |url-status=dead |website=CNN.com |access-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-date=April 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404214010/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/03/23/2012.mock.draft.3/index.html }}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d827cad22/2012-Combine-workout-Dont-a-Hightower Dont'a Hightower's NFL Combine workout]
}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 2+1/4
| weight = 265
| dash = 4.68
| ten split = 1.66
| twenty split = 2.74
| shuttle = 4.64
| cone drill = 7.55
| vertical = 32
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 9
| bench =
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32+5/8
| hand span = 9+3/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Alabama's Pro Day{{Cite web |title=NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles – Dont'a Hightower |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/dont%27a-hightower?id=2533057 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224133446/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/dont%27a-hightower?id=2533057 |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=*Donta Hightower – ILB – Alabama – 2012 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=83013&DraftYear=2012 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=2012=
The New England Patriots selected Hightower in the first round (25th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=April 27, 2012 |title=Patriots trade up again, land Dont'a Hightower |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/26/patriots-trade-up-again-land-donta-hightower/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} He was the third linebacker selected in 2012, behind Boston College's Luke Kuechly (9th overall) and South Carolina's Melvin Ingram (18th overall).{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/draft.htm |access-date=May 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d828a4ec7/Patriots-pick-Dont-a-Hightower-No-25 Patriots select Dont'a Hightower]
}}
On July 19, 2012, the Patriots signed Hightower to a four-year, $7.72 million contract that includes $6.28 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.05 million.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Dont'a Hightower contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/donta-hightower-9835/ |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |date=July 18, 2012 |title=Pats reach deal with first-round pick Hightower |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8177585/new-england-patriots-sign-first-round-pick-donta-hightower |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
Throughout training camp, he competed for the job as the starting strongside linebacker against Rob Ninkovich.{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2012 |title=New England Patriots training camp 2012: With Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont'a Hightower, linebacker crew has high hopes |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/index.ssf/2012/08/new_england_patriots_training.html |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=MassLive.com |agency=Associated Press}} Head coach Bill Belichick named him the opening day starter, alongside Jerod Mayo and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 10/01/2012 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/136/NE |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}
He made his first career start and professional regular season debut in the New England Patriots' season-opener at the Tennessee Titans and recorded five combined tackles and returned a fumble recovery for a six-yard touchdown during their 34–13 victory. His touchdown in the second quarter marked the first of his career.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans – September 9th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209090oti.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On September 30, 2012, he recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, before leaving in the first half of their 52–28 victory at the Buffalo Bills due to a hamstring injury.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – September 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300buf.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The injury sidelined him for the next two games (Weeks 5–6).{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal, Greg |date=September 30, 2012 |title=Week 4 Injury Roundup |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sunday-s-big-injuries-santonio-holmes-jake-locker-0ap1000000067856 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 7, Hightower collected a season-high seven solo tackles and sacked Mark Sanchez as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets 29–26 in overtime.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 21st, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210210nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 16, 2012, Hightower made a season-high eight combined tackles and broke up a pass during their 41–34 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots – December 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the {{NFL Year|2012}} season with 60 combined tackles (43 solo), four sacks, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown in 14 games and 13 starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
The New England Patriots finished the 2012 season atop the AFC East with a 12–4 record, clinching home field advantage and a first round bye.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/index.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On January 13, 2013, Hightower started his first career playoff game and recorded three combined tackles in the Patriots' 41–28 victory against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week, he made three combined tackles as the Patriots lost 28–13 to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens, in the AFC Championship.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – January 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301200nwe.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2013=
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia retained Hightower, Mayo, and Spikes as the starting linebackers to begin the 2013 regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 09/05/2013 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/NE |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}
On October 20, 2013, Hightower recorded 11 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 30–27 loss at the New York Jets.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New York Jets – October 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200nyj.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week, he collected ten combined tackles (five solo) and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the Patriots' 27–17 win against the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – October 27th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310270nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 14, he tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (seven solo) in a 27–26 win against the Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – December 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the {{NFL Year|2013}} season with 97 combined tackles (55 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
The New England Patriots clinched another AFC East title with a 12–4 record and received a first round bye.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/index.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On January 11, 2014, Hightower collected eight combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by Andrew Luck during a 43–22 win against the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – January 11th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401110nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week, he made eight combined tackles as the Patriots lost 26–16 to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – January 19th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401190den.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2014=
During training camp, Hightower was moved to weakside linebacker, replacing Jerod Mayo who was named the starting middle linebacker after the departure of Brandon Spikes. Head coach Bill Belichick named Hightower and Jamie Collins Sr. the starting outside linebackers to start the regular season with Jerod Mayo starting at middle linebacker.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 09/01/2014 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/162/NE |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}
On September 14, 2014, Hightower recorded eight combined tackles, broke up a pass, and had two sacks on Matt Cassel during the Patriots' 30–7 victory at the Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140min.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} It marked his first career multi-sack game. Hightower missed two consecutive games (Weeks 5–6) due to a knee.{{Cite web |last=Knopping, Greg |date=October 5, 2014 |title=Patriots Inactives vs. Bengals: Hightower Out |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/platform/amp/2014/10/5/6915541/patriots-inactives-vs-Bengals-hightower-out |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=PatsPulpit.com}} In Week 7, he recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and a sack in the Patriots' 27–25 win against the New York Jets. In Week 13, Hightower recorded ten combined tackles (four solo) and a sack on Aaron Rodgers during a 26–21 loss at the Green Bay Packers. He missed the following game (Week 14) due to a shoulder injury he sustained against the Packers.{{Cite web |title=Week 14 Injury Report |url=http://newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/Final-Week-16-Injury-Report/78da46f0-96a9-4084-93fb-a6de1b3016e1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030436/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/Final-Week-16-Injury-Report/78da46f0-96a9-4084-93fb-a6de1b3016e1 |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=newyorkjets.com}} Hightower also missed the Patriots' Week 17 loss against the Buffalo Bills after aggravating his shoulder injury.{{Cite web |last=Duffy, Kevin |date=September 28, 2014 |title=Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Brandon Browner inactive for New England Patriots versus Buffalo Bills |url=http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2014/12/rob_gronkowski_julian_edelman_1.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=MassLive.com}} Hightower finished the {{NFL Year|2014}} season with 89 combined tackles (51 solo), six sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 12 games and 12 starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
The New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 12–4 record and clinched home field advantage and a first round bye.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} They defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship and went on to Super Bowl XLIX.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – January 10th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501100nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – January 18th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501180nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On February 1, 2015, Hightower started in Super Bowl XLIX and recorded five combined tackles during the Patriots' 28–24 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. He made a key play near the end of the fourth quarter, tackling Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line to prevent a touchdown that would have given the Seahawks the lead, and likely the title. The Patriots secured their victory on the next play after teammate Malcolm Butler intercepted a pass by Russell Wilson. Because Butler caught the ball inside the one yard line, Hightower ensured he got out of the end zone to prevent a safety.{{Cite web |last=Filipiak |first=Brian |date=February 12, 2015 |title=Super Bowl XLIX Recap: The Dont'a Hightower Tackle – Inside The Pylon |url=http://insidethepylon.com/film-study/film-study-nfl/defense-film-study-nfl/2015/02/12/super-bowl-xilx-recap-donta-hightower-tackle/ |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Inside The Pylon |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLIX – Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots – February 1st, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201502010sea.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2015=
On April 30, 2015, the New England Patriots exercised the fifth-year, $7.751 million option on Hightower's rookie contract.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=April 30, 2015 |title=Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower have fifth-year options picked up by Patriots |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4780838/chandler-jones-donta-hightower-have-fifth-year-options-picked-up-by-patriots |access-date=November 23, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}}
In Week 2, Hightower recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo) and was credited with half a sack during a 40–32 win at the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – September 20th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509200buf.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 29, 2015, Hightower collected three combined tackles, but left the Patriots' 30–24 loss at the Denver Broncos after suffering a sprained MCL in his left knee. He went on to miss the next two games (Weeks 13–14) due to the injury to his MCL.{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2015 |title=Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower has sprained MCL |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/11/30/patriots-dont-hightower-injury/XM0IQVP68h6hDJAVd0GvRN/story.html |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Boston Globe}} Hightower was inactive for the Patriots' Week 17 loss at the Miami Dolphins due to a sprained MCL injury he aggravated the previous week.{{Cite web |last=Daniels, Mark |date=December 31, 2015 |title=Dont'a Hightower is one of many Patriots fighting through injuries |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/01/nfl_playoffs_2015_donta_highto.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=AL.com}} He finished the season with 61 combined tackles (51 solo), 3.5 sacks, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery in 12 games and 12 starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
The Patriots clinched another AFC East title with a 12–4 record and had a rematch with the Broncos in the AFC Championship, but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions by a score of 20–18.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/index.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – January 24th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601240den.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2016=
Hightower entered training camp as the starting middle linebacker after Jerod Mayo announced his retirement. Head coach Bill Belichick officially named Hightower the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season, alongside outside linebackers Jamie Collins and Jonathan Freeny.{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Rich |date=September 4, 2016 |title=New England Patriots' 2016 Depth Chart after final roster cuts |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2016/9/4/12790770/new-england-patriots-2016-depth-chart-team-needs-after-final-53-man-roster-cuts-rb-ot-wr-dt-brady |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=PatsPulpit.com}} The New England Patriots announced Hightower was selected to be one of four team captains to represent the Patriots for the season.{{Cite web |last=Wilkins |first=James |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Patriots Name 4 Team Captains for 2016 season |url=http://wbsm.com/patriots-name-4-team-captains-for-2016-season/ |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=wbsm.com}}
He started the New England Patriots' season-opener at the Arizona Cardinals, but left in the second quarter of their 23–21 victory with an MCL injury. The following day, it was reported that Hightower had suffered a slight tear to his meniscus and was sidelined for the next two games (Weeks 2–3).{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Kevin |date=September 28, 2016 |title=Dont'a Hightower injury update: Patriots LB recovering from 'slight tear' of meniscus (report) |url=http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2016/09/donta_hightower_injury_update.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=MassLive.com}}
On October 16, 2016, Hightower registered 13 combined tackles (ten solo), 1.5 sacks, and recorded his first career safety on a sack on Bengals' quarterback Andy Dalton during their 35–17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was voted as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 6 performance against the Bengals.{{Cite web |last=Mahoney |first=Andrew |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Dont'a Hightower named defensive player of the week |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2016/10/19/dont-hightower-named-defensive-player-week/Y6MpeBuyD8LkAIjGXj5WTL/story.html |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Boston Globe}}{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots – October 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160nwe.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 20, 2016, it was announced that Hightower was named to the 2017 Pro Bowl, marking the first of his career{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2016 |title=NFL announces 2017 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2017-pro-bowl-rosters-0ap3000000760503 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Three rookies, Matt Ryan among players named to All-Pro team |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/three-rookies-matt-ryan-among-players-named-to-all-pro-team-0ap3000000770458 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} Hightower finished the {{NFL Year|2016}} season with 65 combined tackles (31 solo), 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and a safety in 13 games and 13 starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Hightower received enough votes from his peers to finish 94th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
The New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East and clinched a first round bye and a playoff berth with a 14–2 record.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/index.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} They went on to defeat the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at New England Patriots – January 14th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701140nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – January 22nd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701220nwe.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On February 5, 2017, Hightower appeared in Super Bowl LI and helped the Patriots overcome a 25-point deficit and defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. Hightower recorded two solo tackles, one sack, and forced a fumble deep in Atlanta territory which was recovered by the Patriots to help make it a one-possession game.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=February 5, 2017 |title=New England Patriots win Super Bowl LI |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-erase-deficit-defeat-falcons-in-super-bowl-li-0ap3000000783692 |access-date=February 5, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LI – National Football League Game Summary |url=http://www.patriots.com/sites/patriots.com/files/20170205_gamebook_v2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807031311/http://www.patriots.com/sites/patriots.com/files/20170205_gamebook_v2.pdf |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=National Football League}}
=2017=
On March 15, 2017, the New England Patriots signed Hightower to a four-year, $35.5 million contract that includes $17 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus.{{Cite web |last=Payan |first=Gregory |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Here are the full details of Dont'a Hightower's contract extension |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/03/16/here-are-full-details-dont-hightower-contract-extension/1S35oJETHaDKfalN1LNjdL/story.html |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=BostonGlobe.com}}{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Patriots re-sign LB Dont'a Hightower |url=http://www.patriots.com/news/2017/03/16/patriots-re-sign-lb-donta-hightower |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Patriots.com}} It was later reported that Hightower met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, but failed a physical with the Jets due to a slight tear in his pectoral muscle.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Connor |date=March 17, 2017 |title=Jets were 'out' on Dont'a Hightower after troubling physical, source says |url=https://www.nj.com/jets/2017/03/jets_pulled_offer_to_donta_hightower_after_troubli.html |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=NJ.com |language=en-US}}
Head coach Bill Belichick named him the starting middle linebacker, along with outside linebackers David Harris and Kyle Van Noy.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 10/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/200/NE |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}} Hightower was the only returning starter after the Patriots traded Jamie Collins and Jonathan Freeny departed in free agency.
He started the New England Patriots' season-opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, but left their 42–27 loss in the second quarter after sustaining a knee injury.{{Cite web |last=Polacek |first=Scott |date=September 8, 2017 |title=Dont'a Hightower Leaves Game vs. Chiefs with Knee Injury |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2718725-donta-hightower-leaves-game-vs-chiefs-with-knee-injury |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} The knee injury unfortunately sidelined Hightower for the next two games (Weeks 2–3). On October 15, 2017, Hightower recorded a season-high seven combined tackles and a sack as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets 24–17.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New York Jets – October 15th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710150nyj.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 7, he made one solo tackle in the Patriots' 23–7 win against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. The following day, it was announced that it was discovered to be a torn pectoral muscle and would likely sideline Hightower for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 26, 2017 |title=Pats LB Dont'a Hightower out for season with torn pec |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pats-lb-dont-a-hightower-out-for-season-with-torn-pec-0ap3000000867319 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} On November 7, 2017, the New England Patriots placed Hightower on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2017 |title=Patriots sign DL Ricky Jean Francois; Place LB Dont'a Hightower on Injured Reserve; Sign DL Mike Purcell to the Practice Squad |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-dl-ricky-jean-francois-place-lb-dont-a-hightower-on-injured-313281 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Patriots.com}} Hightower finished the {{NFL Year|2017}} season with 14 combined tackles (12 solo) and two sacks in five games and five starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
The Patriots replaced Hightower with Elandon Roberts and managed to finish the season atop the AFC East with a 13–3 record.{{Cite web |title=2017 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2017.htm |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} They went on to defeat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship game before losing 41–33 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130nwe.htm |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – January 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots – February 4th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201802040nwe.htm |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2018=
Hightower returned as a starter in 2018, alongside Kyle Van Noy and rookie Ja'Whaun Bentley. In Week 7, He blocked a punt that was recovered by Van Noy and returned for a touchdown, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2018 |title=Cam Newton, Aaron Donald among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000977807/article/cam-newton-aaron-donald-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024232908/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000977807/article/cam-newton-aaron-donald-among-players-of-the-week |archive-date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} He finished the 2018 season with one sack, 48 total tackles, one interception, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery in 15 starts.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Patriots finished the season 11–5, again clinching the AFC East.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/index.htm |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, Hightower finished with two sacks and a pass deflection as the Patriots won 13–3.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Patriots defeat Rams 13–3 in Super Bowl LIII |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-defeat-rams-13-3-in-super-bowl-liii-0ap3000001016157 |access-date=October 18, 2023 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}
=2019=
File:Jason McCourty 2019 (cropped).jpg ]]
In Week 5 against the Washington Redskins, Hightower recorded a team-high eight tackles and sacked Colt McCoy 1.5 times in the 33–7 win.{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2019 |title=Brady carries unbeaten Patriots past winless Redskins 33–7 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127864 |access-date=October 6, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, Hightower recovered a fumble lost by running back Nick Chubb and returned it for a touchdown in the 27–13 win. This was his first touchdown since Week 1 of the 2012 season.{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Dont'a Hightower back in an NFL end zone after 7 years |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2019/10/donta-hightower-back-in-an-nfl-end-zone-after-7-years.html |access-date=October 27, 2019 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Belichick wins 300th, perfect Patriots beat Browns 27–13 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127895 |access-date=October 27, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In the 2019 season, Hightower appeared in and started 15 games. He recorded 5.5 sacks, 71 total tackles, four passes defensed, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2020=
On August 2, 2020, Hightower announced his intention to opt out of the 2020 season, due to concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=July 28, 2020 |title=Dont'a Hightower, Patrick Chung among six Patriots to opt out |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-linebacker-donta-hightower-to-opt-out-of-2020-season |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2020 |title=Patriots Make Roster Transactions |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-roster-transactions-x0680 |access-date=August 2, 2020 |website=Patriots.com}}
= 2021 =
In 2021, Hightower returned to the Patriots and played in 15 of the 17 regular season games and their Wild Card Round game against Buffalo. He finished with 64 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one pass defensed on the year.{{Cite web |title=Dont'a Hightower 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His contract expired on March 16, 2022.{{Cite magazine |last=Whitt |first=Richie |date=August 15, 2022 |title=Patriots Still Hoping For Return Of Super Bowl Hero? |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-donta-hightower-free-agent-return-decision-linebacker-captain |access-date=December 4, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}
= Retirement =
After not playing the entire 2022 season, Hightower announced his retirement on March 21, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-lb-three-time-super-bowl-champion-dont-a-hightower-retires|work=NFL.com|title=Patriots linebacker, three-time Super Bowl champion Dont'a Hightower announces retirement|date=March 21, 2023|accessdate=March 21, 2023|first=Kevin|last=Patra}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable |
| colspan="2"| Legend |
|---|
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|
| Won the Super Bowl |
| Bold
| Career high |
= Regular season =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Tackles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions ! colspan="3"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Sfty | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | TD | |
| 2012 | NE
| 14 || 13 || 60 || 43 || 17 || 4.0 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 1 | |||||||||||||||
| 2013 | NE
| 16 || 14 || 113 || 65 || 48 || 1.0 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2014 | style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|NE
| 12 || 12 || 105 || 61 || 44 || 6.0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | NE
| 12 || 12 || 61 || 51 || 10 || 3.5 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2016 | style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|NE
| 13 || 13 || 65 || 31 || 34 || 2.5 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2017 | NE
| 5 || 5 || 14 || 12 || 2 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2018 | style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|NE
| 15 || 15 || 48 || 24 || 24 || 1.0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 27 || 27.0 || 27 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2019 | NE
|| 15 || 15 || 71 || 47 || 24 || 5.5 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | NE
| 0 || 0 || colspan="14"| did not play due to Covid-19 opt-out | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | NE
| 15 || 15 || 64 || 39 || 25 || 1.5 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighDo01.htm Total] | 117 | 114 | 569 | 353 | 216 | 27.0 | 1 | 18 | 1 | 27 | 27.0 | 27 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
Coaching career
On February 9, 2024, Hightower announced he had accepted a position as the inside linebacks coach on the staff of new Patriots head coach and Hightower’s former teammate, Jerod Mayo.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Dont'a Hightower returns to Patriots as linebackers coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39492841/donta-hightower-returns-patriots-linebackers-coach |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}} Hightower was not retained by the Patriots after Mayo's firing.
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons}}
{{footballstats|pfr=H/HighDo01|yahoo=25735|espn=14933}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090421055541/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hightower_donta01.html Alabama Crimson Tide bio]
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{{2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}}
{{2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}}
{{2011 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2012 NFL Draft}}
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{{Super Bowl XLIX}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hightower, Dont'a}}
Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football players
Category:All-American college football players
Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players
Category:American football linebackers
Category:New England Patriots players
Category:People from Lewisburg, Tennessee
Category:Players of American football from Tennessee