Interview with Saints Running Back Tim Hightower: Determination, Heart, Football

What's up Who Dats! Tee Word here with a special treat - an interview with New Orleans Saints running back hopeful, Tim Hightower! Normally, I'd transcribed the conversation between the interview subject and myself. But after speaking with Tim, I thought it would be better to tell his story and provide a look at the man behind the voice.

I'll be 100% honest, I'm rooting for Tim because he represents the things most of us love about football. For me, those things are hard work, determination, and desire to compete and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Tim Hightower wants to be a good player and a good person in general.

Tim Hightower was selected in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. In 2007, Hightower was the leading rusher for the University of Richmond Spiders with 300+ carries, 1,924 yards and 20 touchdowns, tops in the Colonial Athletic Association. Tim scored the game-winning touchdown in the 2008 NFC Championship game, catapulting the Cardinals to the Superbowl. Each season Hightower would improve on his previous performance, increasing his yards per carry from 2.8 in 2008 to 4.8 in 2010. Hightower was traded in July 2011 to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a defensive lineman and a sixth round in the 2012 draft. Unfortunately, Tim was injured after 5 games and placed on injured reserve, ending his 2011 season. Hightower was a candidate for the starting job in Washington in 2012, but was unable to take control of the job and was release in August of 2012.

Where one story ends, another begins! Tim Hightower did not allow his misfortune to discourage his efforts to earn a job with an NFL team. He worked hard, kept the faith, and signed a futures contract with the Saints on January 4th, 2015. Since arriving at camp, Hightower has received praise from teammates, coaching staff, and media for his hard work and quiet leadership. As a veteran with playoff experience and strong work ethic, Hightower could land a spot on the final regular season roster. Some have consider him to fit into a 'Mike Bell' role, toting the rock late in games to salt the clock away. Hightower is expected to see a heavy load in the Saints preseason game against the Ravens.

Based on our conversation, I believe that Tim Hightower will be a success in whatever path he follows. I'll be cheering him on throughout the preseason, hoping that he earns a spot on the team and is able to provide meaningful contributions all season long!

As always, thanks for reading and Be Cool Who Dats!