Former Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower gives back, one golf shot at a time
Freeport Event Highlights Community Golf Initiative and a Rare Super Bowl Ring Moment
FREPORT, Maine — A group of children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine received an unexpected showcase of football history during Monday’s Bank of America “Golf With Us” program at the Alexa Re Rancourt Golf Learning Center. As the youngsters practiced their swings, former New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower—three‑time Super Bowl champion—pulled out one of his championship rings after being asked by 10‑year‑old Paulina Martinez if he was wearing any of them.
The interaction, captured by a photographer, turned a routine golf clinic into a memorable lesson about teamwork and perseverance. Hightower, who retired from the NFL in 2023, has turned to the sport he now calls his own, describing his own game as “terrible on the tee box,” admitting to “the yips” when putting, yet noting he can “be all right sometimes” with a wedge and “chip in” with a short shot.
During the event, Hightower worked with kids from clubs in Lewiston and Portland, emphasizing the parallels between golf and life. “Golf is a test of willpower, determination and resiliency,” he told the group, adding that the game is “life condensed to 18 holes.” He encouraged the children to see the sport as a place where personal growth follows dedicated practice. “You go out there and hit 100 balls, your golf game will get better, but you as a person, you dedicate your time to something to better yourself,” he said.
Hightower also spoke about the accessibility of the program, noting that the $5‑per‑round fee helps remove financial barriers. “The game of golf is a lot like life. It’s a lot of growth. You get out of it what you put into it. Just come out and have fun,” he remarked, hoping the youngsters leave with both skills and a desire to keep playing.
The former linebacker, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2012 and anchored three championship teams, wore the ring from Super Bowl LII when the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams. He has only displayed a ring in public once before, during the 2019 NFL Draft. When asked about the significance of sharing the ring, Hightower simply said he believes in giving back “when and where you can.”
For the children watching, the moment was more than a glimpse of professional athletics; it was a tangible reminder of achievement earned through hard work. As Hightower handed Paulina the ring for a brief photo moment, the image captured a blend of community outreach, mentorship, and the lasting impact of role models in youth programs.
The Bank of America “Golf With Us” initiative continues to provide affordable golf instruction across the region, aiming to foster new generations of players while honoring the values of discipline and respect that both football and golf demand.
