Dont'a Hightower Retires From NFL After Decade With Patriots

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., on Oct. 10, 2019. Elise Amendola/AP Photo

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.—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 in an essay posted on the Players’ Tribune website.