The New England Patriots are recruiting yet another former linebacker to join their team, as SportsTrust Advisors reported Friday that Dont’a Hightower was hired as the Patriots’ new linebackers coach. Hightower played four seasons alongside new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo in New England.
Hightower was selected by the Patriots with the 25th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Alabama. In nine seasons with New England, he recorded 569 combined tackles, 27 sacks, 43 tackles for loss and one interception. Hightower opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After winning three Super Bowls and being named to two Pro Bowls, Hightower announced his retirement last March.
“High and I always had a great relationship. I was older. He was like a young puppy,” Mayo said last year, according to the Patriots’ official website. “But he was very smart. He was very athletic. I had a chance to play alongside him. I had a chance to coach him. There aren’t many people like Hightower in terms of intelligence. I think this is overlooked. a lot with High. High is a very intelligent football player.
Hightower is considered one of the best linebackers in Patriots history – a group that includes Andre Tippett, Mike Vrabel, Steven Nelson and Tedy Bruschi, among others. Hightower will take over the position Mayo held for the past five seasons prior to his promotion to the leadership role. The two players who once shared the field will now share the sidelines.