Hightower was a consensus All-American in 2011 when he was also named First-team All-SEC and was SEC Defensive Player of the week. He was also an eight-time Alabama Defensive Player of the Week and was a Lott IMPACT National Player of the Week. In 2012 Hightower was drafted #25 by the New England Patriots. He signed a four year deal worth $7.7 million. Hightower won an AFC Championship with the Patriots in 2014.