Due to his wife, a significant New Englaand Patriots all time player has formally announced his retirement.
I’m formally retiring from the NFL today. I know there’s always a bittersweet feeling to these announcements, but there isn’t a better story than the one I wrote in New England. Ten years of playing for one team, three Super Bowls, two Pro Bowls, and the birth of my son. How many men can tell such a tale?
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you all supporting a Southern kid from Lewisburg, Tennessee, because today is a happy day for me.
Not that I could lie to you. When I received the call from the Patriots on draft night, my initial thought was, “Damn, it sure looks cold up there.”In my entire Patriots career, I believe I only attempted one sleeveless game, and that one was difficult. I’m not sure how you crazy guys in the Foxborough bleachers can be drinking beer in the middle of January while wearing no shirts. You really are a unique breed. But Pats Nation has always turned out for me, from Super Bowl victories to charity events and beyond. You have always supported me both on and off the field.
It’s a common question, why is Patriot culture so unique? Simple response: professionalism was the main concern. You were aware that you needed to be present every day, primarily mentally but also physically. “If you do it right, you do it light,” was a proverb among us.
It was expected that you would be good. Bill might even give you the thumbs up if you’re excellent. Fortunately, Coach Saban taught me a few things about that during my time at Alabama.
I went through nine seasons living that way all the time. Knowing that I gave this franchise every last drop of sweat I had, I’m at peace with myself today.
Knowing that I gave this franchise every last drop of sweat I had, I’m at peace.
– Hightower, Don’t
Since he is only two years old, my son has never seen his father play. Although he is too young to fully comprehend the game, we showed him a few weeks ago when we took out my rings on Super Bowl Sunday.
When I As I gaze at the initial ring, I recall the Marshawn tackle.
I knew Beast Mode was on the right track when I saw Seattle set up in that I-form and that they had been attacking us with that strong-side lead the entire game. I was aware that if I didn’t take a chance, he would walk through a massive hole. It’s funny how things circle back because Kirby Smart used to tell us, “Never ever go behind a block unless you’re sure you’re going to make a play,” whenever I was at Alabama.
I wasn’t sure, actually. Still, I reasoned that we had nothing to lose. I took a big rip under Okung and made my shot. Marshawn’s two churning legs were all I could see, and I just I begged God to let me chop him up or something. You already know what happened after I reached out.
Like everyone else, I thought Marshawn was going to get the rock when they lined up for the Malcolm Butler interception. I took one step into the hole, prepared to lay waste to him with everything I had when they snapped the ball. Then I watched Russ turn and toss it.
“Get down!” was all I could say as I watched Malcolm sprint with the ball out of the end zone. Get down, dude! Everyone yelled, “We did it!!!” as we leaped into the dogpile. We succeeded!
