FOXBORO, Mass. — Two years ago, Dont’a Hightower coined a catchy nickname for the New England Patriots’ “Boogeymen” defense.
On Wednesday, the veteran linebacker unveiled a new moniker for himself: the Trash Man.
Hightower, who had what position coach Jerod Mayo called “by far” his best game of the season in Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans, said he’s willing to fill any role for the Patriots’ defense, regardless of his statistical output.
“I’ve never been a numbers guy,” Hightower said. “I’m going to do whatever I need to do for the team. Whether it’s knocking the (expletive) out of linemen, if I’m supposed to have eight or 10 tackles a game or have eight sacks, then that’s what I plan on doing.