INACTIVE

Dont'a
Hightower

#54

NE Patriots

6'3"

260lbs

36y/o

Overall Grade '21

53.7

46th/87 - LBs

Snap Count '21

634

52nd/199 - LBs

Tackles '21

62nd/87 - LBs

Pressures '21

5th/87 - LBs

Dont'a

Hightower

#54

NE Patriots

BIO

GRADES

SEASON STATS

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Summary Bio

Last updated: 8/26/2026

Dont'a Hightower was a linebacker for the New England Patriots who earned a 53.7 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2021 season, 46th among 87 qualified linebackers. His PFF coverage grade of 38.8 ranked 80th among 87 qualified linebackers. His run-defense grade of 69.0 ranked 21st at the position. His pass-rush grade of 58.7 ranked 68th among qualified linebackers.

He recorded 48 solo tackles on the season. Hightower generated 19 total pressures including 2 sacks as a blitzer. He allowed a 111.1 passer rating when targeted in coverage. He was charged with 10 missed tackles over the course of the year.

Career

Teams

Year

New England Patriots

2012 - 2021

Honors

Honor

Year

Pro Bowl selection

2016, 2019

AP second-team All-Pro

2016

PFF second-team All-Pro

2016

PFF101

2014, 2015

PFF first-team All-Pro

2014

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Season Stats

Regular

Players receive a ranking if they qualify 25% of the maximum targets, run attempts or dropbacks at the position (depending on the metric).

SOLO TACKLES

62nd/87 LBs

SACKS

15th/87 LBs

ASSISTS

55th/87 LBs

FORCED FUMBLES

37th/87 LBs

Defense

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Rank

Solo Tackles

Assists

Forced Fumbles

Stops

Sacks

Missed Tackles

Passer Rating Allowed

111.1

Total Pressures

Snaps

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Rank

Total Snaps

634

Run Defense Snaps

283

Pass Rush Snaps

109

Coverage Snaps

242

Dont'a Hightower

Summary Bio

Career

Honors

PFF Grades

Season Stats

Defense

Snaps

Dont'a
Hightower