Tim Hightower '04 Stages Inspiring NFL Comeback

Tim Hightower ’04, running back for the New Orleans Saints, has never been one to back down from a challenge, and he works hard to get what he wants.
Tim Hightower attended EHS for his junior and senior years, from 2002-2004. During that time, he earned All-IAC and All-State honors. Tim was a hard-working member of the football team who always put the needs of the team before his own.
 
Many of his former coaches, teammates, and friends from Episcopal speak of his incredible work ethic and positive attitude, which have allowed him success after success in his football career.
 
“What I remember about Tim was the energy and enthusiasm he brought to practice,” Coach Steve Castle said. “He coupled work ethic with a sense of fun, someone who practiced and played with a smile. A talented athlete when he arrived, he was also coachable, someone who could and would focus on a specific area of improvement when challenged.”
 
After an injury early in his senior season, Hightower worked hard to get himself back on the field for the final three games, providing a spark to help the team earn wins over SSSAS and Landon, Castle explained.
 
“When I read quotes by his current teammates and coaches extolling his work ethic and character, it is clear that they are working with the same guy that we worked with. In the years since he left Epsicopal, Tim has not only represented the School well, but also has taken the opportunity to come back and speak, always expressing his appreciation for his experience here and always encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity here.”
 
After graduating from Episcopal, Hightower attended the University of Richmond, where he set school records and earned all-conference acclaim.
 
In his professional career, Hightower has played for the Arizona Cardinals, the Washington Redskins, and the New Orleans Saints. In 2011, Hightower suffered a torn ACL while playing for the Redskins. In 2012, he was cut from the team and didn’t play again until January 2015, when he signed with the Saints. A three-year hiatus from the NFL is almost unheard-of.
 
After the loss of his longtime agent, Hightower represented himself in contract negotiations with the Saints. He says that this gave him the opportunity to learn about and understand the business side of football. “It forced me to learn and have some conversations. Whether it was with (general manager) Mickey Loomis, whether it was with coach (Sean) Payton, it forced me to have some conversations that I probably wouldn’t have had before.”
 
Recently, Hightower and the Saints faced off against the Arizona Cardinals at Arizona, a familiar setting for Hightower. It was an emotional return for Hightower, who said, “That was home for me. From a college kid living in a dorm room to finding a house, that excitement of becoming a pro, a dream finally coming to fruition, that started in Arizona.” Hightower had an exceptional game against the Cardinals in which he rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns and totaled 48 yards (37 yards rushing).
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