The New England Patriots have experienced significant star power on their team over the last 20 years.
Tom Brady seemed to bring out the best in all of his teammates on both sides of the ball.
The organization had a winning mentality for many years, and it produced some fantastic players as a result.
One of those players was Dont’a Hightower, who has recently announced his retirement.
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
Hightower spent ten seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls as a member of the organization.
He was an impressive defensive player, racking up 569 total tackles, 27 sacks, and 18 pass deflections, to name a few.
He was also a member of the All-Pro second team in 2016 and is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Hightower didn’t play at all during the 2022 season but is just now announcing his retirement.
To retire, Hightower wrote an article for the Players’ Tribune, which is a platform for athletes to share their stories.
In this article, Hightower notes “I’m totally at peace knowing that I gave this franchise every ounce of sweat I had left.”
During his time with the Patriots, Hightower was known as a workhorse and always seemed to give 100 percent effort whenever he was on the field.
Although the “Patriot Way” has often been criticized, Hightower was seemingly a great example of what it meant to embody that mentality.
Ten years is a substantial NFL career, and Hightower will now retire as one of the best defensive players for the Patriots, at least in the last ten years.
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The Patriots Poached A Talented Veteran From A Rival
