New England Patriots: 6 Players who will make the Pro Bowl in 2017

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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) reacts after a sack of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Dont’a Hightower, LB

Dont’a Hightower has been a force to reckon with since entering the league in 2012. Down 28-12 in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI, his game-changing strip sack of Matt Ryan changed the course of history.

Last season, Hightower stacked up 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a safety, enough to earn him his first Pro Bowl selection.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound linebacker has become a crucial cog in New England’s defense. In the two Super Bowls he’s played in, Hightower’s late game efforts have made long lasting impacts. In 2014, his tackle of Marshawn Lynch on the 1-yard line extended the Patriots’ goal line stand. Most recently, his aforementioned fourth quarter strip sack.

In addition to his first Pro Bowl invite, Hightower was voted 94th on NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2017. On the show, Packers defensive linemen Mike Daniels said of Hightower:

"“Dont’a Hightower is one of my all-time favorite players. His mentality is if I don’t destroy this guy, I didn’t do my job.”"

This offseason, Hightower was rewarded for his contributions with a four-year, $35.5 million deal. His contract will cement him as the leader of New England’s defense while his play warrants consecutive Pro Bowl consideration.

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