On Tuesday, New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower joined five other teammates who elected to opt out of playing the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.
“I do feel that it’s the best decision for my family at this time,” Hightower said over Instagram. “I’m so grateful for the support of my teammates and coaches as well, and I will try to continue to lead and help as much as I can.”
On July 16th, Hightower’s wife gave birth to their first child together, a baby boy.
“I’m so grateful for the support of my teammates and coaches as well, and I will try to continue to lead and help as much as I can”, Hightower wrote.
Read Hightower’s full message to Patriots Nation below.
“Me and my fiancée are just more concerned with the health of our family than football, especially the new addition to our family”, Hightower told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Tuesday.
The loss of Hightower comes on the heels of Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts all departing Foxboro in free agency where the Patriots will now have to go younger at the position this fall with the likes of Chase Winovich and Ja’Whaun Bentley.
As of this posting, Hightower joins running back Brandon Bolden, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, safety Patrick Chung, guard Najee Toran, and fullback Dan Vitale as the Patriots who have chosen to opt out of the 2020 season.
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