New England Patriots inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower becomes the latest player to beg off from playing in the upcoming season. The former Crimson Tide joins tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale, and guard Najee Toran as Patriots players who have opted not to play amid the coronavirus pandemic.
ESPN Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter announced the news on Twitter:
Patriots’ three-time Super-Bowl champion and Pro-Bowl ILB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources tell ESPN.
Hightower is scheduled to make $8 million in base salary. He had a baby July 16.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020
Hightower became a new father earlier this month. The safety of his family clearly influenced his decision to forego the upcoming season. With the nine-year player now out of the lineup, the Patriots will be missing a strong veteran presence in the locker room.
Before becoming an established NFL starter, Hightower started his career at the University of Alabama. Playing under head coach Nick Saban, he started the majority of his games as a true freshman. Hightower was subsequently named to numerous Freshman All-American selections. He rounded out his collegiate career with a 2009 SEC championship, a first-team All-SEC inclusion, and a Consensus All-American award in 2011.
The Patriots selected Hightower with the 25th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. In his third year, he started to become a regular starter in coach Bill Belichick's defensive lineup. Hightower is also a three-time Super Bowl champion, a 2016 second-team All-Pro member, and a two-time Pro Bowler – all with the New England Patriots.
Dont'a Hightower remains to be a big part of the Patriots' defensive rotation. He contributed 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 16 games played for the team.
The new-look Patriots will begin their 2020 campaign against the Miami Dolphins on September 13 at the Gilette Stadium.
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