After linebacker Dont’a Hightower opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, a big piece of the Patriots defense was missing throughout the year. A two-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl Champion, Hightower is one of the hearts and souls of the Patriots defensive unit.
That’s a big reason why someone like Josh Uche is excited about playing with Hightower this season. Uche told NFL teams he wanted to be like Hightower prior to the 2020 NFL Draft. It just so happened that he was selected by the Patriots in the second round. Although he didn’t play with Hightower during his rookie year, he said the veteran has been back in team meetings this spring.
“Obviously during meetings and stuff, (Hightower)’s in there,” Uche said. “Last year, we would talk, we would text after games and stuff, and he’d give me advice and stuff. So it’s just on and off, and stuff like that because guys are busy, guys have families. So we communicate when we can.”
Hightower turned 31 this offseason and his career is certainly closer to the end than the beginning. His return to the field this year, however, will help someone like Uche who has long admired Hightower.
“I remember in the draft process, teams would ask me how I wanted to be used as a football player,” Uche said. “I just remember watching Dont’a Hightower all the time in college. I just think he’s a phenomenal football player. So I mean, just to even share a locker room, it’s truly an honor. God willing, we’ll share the field together. That’d be another blessing.”
