March 21, 2023
ANALYSISHightower is officially retiring after nine seasons in the NFL, all of which he spent with New England. The two-time Pro Bowler earned three Super Bowl rings during his time with the Patriots, a span in which he solidified himself as one of the team's most important defensive players. He will perhaps be best remembered for his tackle of Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line with seconds left in Super Bowl XLIX, which set up teammate
Malcolm Butler's famous goal-line interception of
Russell Wilson.