FILE – New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Foxborough, Mass., Oct. 10, 2019. Dont’a Hightower is making a quiet exit to a memorable career with the New England Patriots. The veteran linebacker, who did not play last season, announced his retirement Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in an essay posted in the Players’ Tribune. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)