New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is in need of a new contract. The Patriots have picked up the fifth year option for 2016 baked into the contracts of first round picks, meaning they plan to have him under control for two more seasons- but they should extend him as soon as possible.
Hightower was one of the best linebackers in the league last season, pairing with Jamie Collins to become the best linebacker duo on the planet. It's likely the team is waiting to see how he returns from his shoulder surgery, as well as to see how Jerod Mayo returns from his second-consecutive season ending injury.
In the mean time, Hightower is living life as a street.
According to the Patriots website, Hightower's hometown of Lewisburg, Tennessee named a stretch of road after the New England linebacker.
Hightower donated 90 sets of football pads to the local peewee football teams, and also donated funds to reinstate the town's 4th of July fireworks that had been canceled due to budget cuts.
For whatever reason (likely Bill Belichick), Patriots linebackers are always fan favorites and Hightower is quickly joining the likes of Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Jerod Mayo in New England lore.