Dont'a Hightower Retires from the NFL

The Crimson Tide product won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Former New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower retired from the NFL on Tuesday.

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

The 25th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft spent all nine seasons of his career in New England. The Crimson Tide product made the Pro Bowl twice in 2016 and 2019 and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.

An argument can be made that Hightower's career-defining moment was in the infamous Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. Hightower strip-sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to give New England the ball back, down 28-12 with eight minutes remaining. This was the turning point in the Patriot's all-time-great comeback.

Hightower finished his NFL career with 650 tackles, 76 quarterback hits, 30 sacks, six fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He is a member of the New England Patriots All-2010s and All-Dynasty teams.

At Alabama, Hightower was a Consensus All-American and First Team All-SEC member in 2011 and a two-time BCS National Champion in 2009 and 2011.

Bama in the NFL Database

Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL
Tracking Active Alabama Crimson Players in the NFL
Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL: Breakdown by Team
Active Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL by Position
All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL
All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL By Team
Former Alabama Crimson Tide Players Selected in the NFL Draft
All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players Drafted by Round
NFL Draft: All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Selections by NFL Teams
Alabama Crimson Tide Players Selected in the NFL Draft by Position