The Bears announced Jan. 28 that special teams coordinator Richard Hightower would be staying with the team under new head coach Ben Johnson. Get a deeper look at who Hightower is on and off the field as he talks with ChicagoBears.com about his favorite athletes growing up, where his passion for special teams stemmed from, his hobbies outside of football and more.
What's been your favorite part about Chicago?
The people and the love and the passion for football here. It's a football town.
What was your 'Welcome to the NFL' coaching moment?
Probably when I was a coaching intern on the sideline in Houston and I saw Ray Lewis — when we played the Ravens — run sideline to sideline. A guy that big, that fast, with that much contact, I was like, 'wow, these dudes move faster than college guys.'
Favorite special teams play you've ever been a part of?
There's a lot of them. Recent with the Bears — that's tough because these guys made a lot of plays — but I would say the game-winning kick against Green Bay. To see everybody, the whole team celebrate — that would be my reason. Second favorite is [Josh] Blackwell going to the house.
You're from Texas and went to college there. What was the biggest adjustment to the midwest when you first moved here?
Learning how to drive in the snow.
Who were your favorite athletes growing up?
Jerry Rice. Walter Payton. John Lynch. Warren Moon. When you put on the tape or when you watched them play, you didn't have to hear any sound, you knew they loved the game.
When you're not coaching football, what hobbies do you focus in on?
Full-time dad. Trying to be the best dad and husband I can be. Either fishing with my kids and my wife or going to indoor soccer games, cheerleading and events like that.
What made you want to go into special teams?
My love for special teams stems from college at Texas. That was the first area I really got a chance to play as a walk-on. I'm grateful to Mack Brown for letting me play all that time and awarding me a scholarship. It kind of made me who I am, so I have a love for it.
Who are your mentors?
Charlie Casserly and Darryl Drake.
What's a random fact no one knows about you?
I read a lot.
Three words to capture your personality?
Passionate. Empowering. Driven.
Most iconic sports moment you were present for?
The Super Bowl (with the 49ers), even though we didn't win it.
Who from the Bears do you text with the most?
Probably Blackwell. We have like minds, like visions. He wants to be great.
