After spending a year on the Coronavirus opt-out list, an aura of uncertainty surrounded Dont’a Hightower heading into the 2021 season. While well-established as one of the best linebackers in football and a vital part of the New England Patriots defense, there was no telling whether or how quickly he would return to his old form.
In fact, there were even questions about him returning at all. Hightower answered those emphatically over the summer, saying that the opt-out “was literally just for the season.”
As far as his on-field performance was concerned, though, the questions remained even as the season had already begun.