Another key member of the New England Patriots dynasty hung up his cleats. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who played a huge role in three Super Bowl triumphs, announced his retirement this week.
After Hightower retired Tuesday, Tom Brady commemorated his former Patriots teammate in an Instagram Story post.
“Clutch. A great teammate, captain and champion,” Brady wrote, via NESN’s Dakota Randall. “Congratulations on an amazing career.”
Tom Brady honors Dont’a Hightower pic.twitter.com/96UO1uHqk8
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandallNESN) March 22, 2023
Brady may only have enough Super Bowl rings for one hand if not for Hightower. The former first-round pick recorded 81 tackles, three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery in 17 career postseason games.
Hightower made a huge tackle to stop Marshawn Lynch from scoring a touchdown late in Super Bowl XLIX on the play before Malcolm Butler’s game-sealing interception. New England also likely wouldn’t have cemented an improbable comeback over the Atlanta Falcons without him strip-sacking Matt Ryan.
Hightower’s retirement further solidifies an end of an era in Foxborough. Brady concluded his career this offseason, and defensive back Devin McCourty retired after 13 seasons with the Patriots.