Dont’a Hightower was fortunate to play under Bill Belichick and Nick Saban in his football career.
This has transpired into two college national championships and three Super Bowl rings at the age of 29. He still has time to rack up more accolades and he’s become the ultimate leader for the New England Patriots defense. Hightower was drafted by the Patriots in 2012, so the coaching techniques from Belichick and Saban are engrained in him.
He spoke to reporters on Thursday and discussed the newest documentary that aired recently, ‘Belichick & Saban: The Art of Coaching’.
“I thought it was really good,” Hightower said, transcribed by NESN. “I thought that it spoke a lot about what those guys meant to each other and how much of an effect they have on not just one another, but their families, as well, and just kind of understanding what football is.
“A lot of times people just see the — no disrespect — but the (Sean) McVays of the world. They see the razzle-dazzle stuff. A lot of times, you don’t necessarily understand and appreciate — obviously not in this circumstance with Bill and Nick — but understand and respect the hard work that comes with starting from the bottom and understanding how things work. A lot of guys get things handed to them. Those guys really started from the bottom, whether it be a (grad assistant) or on special teams.”
These guys have a combined 12 championships as head coaches and they’re still in pursuit for more. They’ve been friends for over four decades and they’ve both changed the dynamic of collegiate and professional football.
“I couldn’t have been blessed enough to play for two better head coaches,” Hightower said.
Hightower and the Patriots are currently 10-3 and preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals after losing two consecutive games.
