FOXBOROUGH (AP) - New England's Dont'a Hightower is living out his childhood dream in the NFL.
One of the Patriots' newest linebackers, Hightower isn't getting caught up in the haze of playing out a real-life fantasy, though. Instead he's focused on making the most of his opportunity.
"It just means a lot for me to have my dreams come true," Hightower said before taking the field at Patriots minicamp. "And obviously doing something that you love to do with so much passion means a lot to me and it's definitely number one on my priority list right now."
Hightower, 22, is determined to repay the faith that the Patriots showed in trading up to select him in the first round of the NFL draft last month. He's focused on earning his time.
"I'm here to work. I'm ready to get down to business and really contribute to this team," Hightower said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to help this team, whether it's playing outside or inside. I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win."
