Dont'a Hightower

New England Patriots 25th pick

OLB ·

Alabama · 2012–2021

117

Games

353

Solo Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Dont'a Hightower is a former outside linebacker out of Alabama, selected by the New England Patriots with the 25th overall pick (round 1) in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played 117 regular-season games from 2012 to 2021, with the New England Patriots. He was named to 2 Pro Bowls.

Draft Details

Year

2012

Round

Round 1

Pick

25th overall

Team

New England Patriots

Position

OLB

College

Alabama

Dont'a Hightower Career Stats

2× Pro Bowl selection.
Primary starter for 8 seasons.

Defense

Season	Team	G	Solo	Ast	TFL	Sacks	QB Hits	INT	PD	FF
2012	NE	14	42	17	10	4	9	0	3	0
2013	NE	15	53	42	4	1	5	0	3	0
2014	NE	12	48	38	8	6	13	0	2	1
2015	NE	12	33	10	5	3.5	6	0	2	0
2016	NE	13	30	34	1	2.5	8	0	2	1
2017	NE	5	12	2	2	2	3	0	0	0
2018	NE	15	23	24	3	1	6	1	1	0
2019	NE	15	36	24	8	5.5	13	0	4	0
2021	NE	15	31	25	1	1.5	4	0	1	0
Career		116	308	216	42	27	67	1	18	2

G = games with at least one recorded statistic; the career games total in the summary above includes every game played.

Source: nflverse · Updated Sep 28, 2026

NFL Combine Results

Height

6-2

Weight

265 lbs

40-Yard Dash

4.62s

Vertical Jump

32"

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