Local

3-time Super Bowl champion Dont’a Hightower officially retires after 9 seasons with Patriots

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

New England Patriots v New York Jets EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots reacts after making a defensive play in the second quarter of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

FOXBORO, Mass. — Three-time Super Bowl champion Dont’a Hightower officially retired Tuesday after nine impactful seasons leading the New England Patriots defensive front.

“A force, a leader, and a champion,” the Patriots said in a tweet. “Thank you and congratulations on an incredible career.”

Hightower joined the Patriots in 2012 after being drafted out of the University of Alabama. He tended to shine the brightest on the biggest stages, helping New England win Super Bowl XLIX, LI, LIII.

During his time in Foxboro, Hightower racked up 569 total tackles and 27 sacks in 117 career games.

Perhaps Hightower’s biggest tackle came in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks when he stuffed Marshawn Lynch on a first-and-goal carry as the Patriots clung to a 28-24 lead in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. That clutch tackle set up Malcolm Butler’s game-clinching interception.

Hightower also made a number of game-changing plays in Super Bowl LI, helping set the stage for New England’s come-from-behind victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He also made Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s life a nightmare in Super Bowl LIII, propelling the Patriots to a stifling 13-3 victory.

The veteran defender’s retirement comes after he sat out the 2022 season.

In an article in the Players’ Tribune titled “Thank you, New England,” Hightower wrote in part, “They say time flies in this league. Boy, they’re not lying. 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?”

Hightower added, “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...Thank you. Just thank you. I wouldn’t rewrite a single chapter of this story.”

Longtime safety Devin McCourty also recently retired after playing alongside Hightower for the duration of his career.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group

Most Read