Much was made this offseason about the players the Patriots acquired in free agency. Their biggest acquisition though might be the return of a familiar face.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower is back with the Patriots after sitting out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now 31, it’s easy to think that Hightower benefitted from a year’s rest after eight NFL seasons. However, Hightower doesn’t think there was much benefit for his body from taking time off.
“Maybe a little bit (of a benefit),” Hightower told reporters following the Patriots’ practice on Friday. “But once you start hitting and getting the s— knocked out of you, I think all that stuff and those great thoughts and vibes and stuff kind of go out the window.