FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One of the most significant developments of the week for the New England Patriots was linebacker Dont'a Hightower coming off the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday. With Hightower answering football-specific questions from reporters Wednesday for the first time since he re-signed with New England this offseason, it is timely to revisit his value to the franchise.
“He’s made a lot of big plays for us, and he has done a lot of different things,” coach Bill Belichick said. “He’s got good leadership on and off the field. He’s a very smart player, has been in a lot of big games, a lot of big situations.