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31. Dont'a Hightower

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31. Dont'a Hightower

When you play for a two-time National Champion in college like Don’t’a Hightower did at Alabama, how sweet is it to get drafted to another power like the New England Patriots?

Hightower was the 28thOverall Pick in 2012, and the All-American won the starting strongside Linebacker in training camp for Bill Belichick.  Hightower became a dependable part of the New England defense, later moving to the weak side, but always excellent in his role.   

A large part of the Patriots' success in the 2010s, Hightower helped New England win three Super Bowls, and he collected two Pro Bowls along the way.

After opting out the 2020 Season due to COVID-19, Hightower came back with a solid 2021, but that was the final year for him as a Patriot.  Hightower left New England with 27 Sacks and 569 Combined Tackles.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Linebacker
  • Acquired: Selected in the 1st Round, 28th Overall in the NFL Draft 4/26/12.
  • Games Played: 117
  • Notable Statistics:

    114 Games Started
    1 Interception
    27 Interception Return Yards
    2 Forced Fumbles
    5 Fumble Recoveries
    32 Fumble Recovery Yards
    2 Fumble Recovery Touchdowns
    27.0 Quarterback Sacks
    569 Combined Tackles
    353 Solo Tackles
    216 Assisted Tackles
    43 Tackles for Loss
    67 Quarterback Hits
    76 Approximate Value

    17 Playoff Games
    1 Interception
    3 Interceptions Return Yards
    1 Forced Fumble
    1 Fumble Recovery
    0 Fumble Recovery Yards
    3.0 Quarterback Sacks
    81 Combined Tackles
    55 Solo Tackles
    26 Assisted Tackles
    11 Tackles for Loss
    9 Quarterback Hits

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Super Bowl Champion (XLIX, LI & LIII)
    Second Team All-Pro (2016)
    Pro Bowl (2016 & 2019)

Last modified on Wednesday, 26 July 2023 20:57

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