Dont’a returns
Hightower jumps from PUP to field
FOXBORO — Decked out in an “X-Men” T-shirt, Dont’a Hightower, a superhero of sorts for the Patriots in their past two Super Bowl wins, spoke briefly yesterday about both returning to the team after checking out free agency and making it back following a knee injury that landed him on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp.
The linebacker and captain said he considered post-Patriots life this offseason before re-upping with the team on a four-year, $43.5 million contract that includes $19 million guaranteed.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s free agency,” he said. “But it is what it is. It’s over and done with now. I’m here, so . . .”
Hightower visited several teams, including the Jets and Steelers.
“It’s good. Glad I didn’t have to relocate,” he said. “Stressful, but glad it’s over with. Glad I’m here, that I’m back, and I’m glad I’m back on the field.”
Hightower, now in his sixth year, always has been a good fit in the team culture. He noted some of that stems from college, where he played under Alabama coach Nick Saban, a noted friend of Bill Belichick who served as his defensive coordinator in Belichick’s first four seasons as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
“It’s meant a lot (to be with the Pats),” Hightower said. “I’ve been here my whole career. It wasn’t a hard a change from what I had in college. I was definitely used to it, so it wasn’t a big change. I feel like I’ve had a lot of success in programs like this. Alabama and New England are not too far different. So just the culture around here, the teammates, the coaches around here is just second to none anywhere. So when it came down to making my decision, it wasn’t too hard a choice.”
Hightower’s role on the defense is critical. Not only does he call the plays, but at this point, he’s probably the team’s second-best, if not best, pass rusher and could be used more on the edge this season. Add that to his leadership qualities, and one could argue that as he’s battled through knee and shoulder injuries, Hightower is the spinal cord of the defense. And now he feels fine physically. “I never had a set target (date to return) or whatever. It’s just more about how well I felt,” he said. “Obviously with (head athletic trainer Jim Whalen) and Coach (Belichick), they’ve seen my progress, and they’ve seen what I’m able to do. So obviously they feel good about where I’m at.
“Now it’s more about me getting acclimated back to football. I’ve got all the little rehab stuff out of the way. Now it’s time to focus on football.”
Good rib-bing again
In a bit of a surprise, linebacker Elandon Roberts no longer was in a red, non-contact jersey during the 15-minute media window to watch practice yesterday on the lower field behind Gillette Stadium.
Roberts, who suffered a rib injury Saturday night in the Pats’ preseason loss to the Houston Texans, was wearing red for Tuesday’s practice. Other than that, everything was the same during drills, as the team worked out in shells.
Special teamer Brandon King wore a red jersey again, while wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell and Matthew Slater, offensive lineman Tony Garcia, defensive lineman Derek Rivers, running back Rex Burkhead, tight end Matt Lengel and linebacker Shea McClellin were not in attendance.
No hoop scoop here
Belichick has been a frequent courtside fan at Celtics games but was not willing to discuss Tuesday’s big news regarding the Green.
In the first question he heard yesterday, Belichick was asked about the trade that sent point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and a 2018 first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for point guard Kyrie Irving.
“Yeah, I’m really focused on our team,” Belichick deadpanned. “I’ve got my plate full with that.”