New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.‬

Hightower, 30, became a first-time father on July 16 and told teammates Devin and Jason McCourty on their "Double Coverage" podcast this week: "I don't have any words to describe it. Asking what to look forward to and expect, it was that and then some."

Starting offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale and reserve offensive lineman Najee Toran have also decided to opt out of the 2020 season for the Patriots.

Nicknamed "Mr. February" by head coach Bill Belichick because of his knack for delivering big plays in Super Bowls, Hightower was set to enter his ninth NFL season -- all with the Patriots.

A three-time Super Bowl champion and team captain, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Hightower traditionally calls the defensive signals for the Patriots, and was going to be relied upon as much as ever this season after the free-agent departures of linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.

This was the final year of Hightower's contract, and he was scheduled to earn a base salary of $8 million. The contract will now toll to the 2021 season.

Hightower's foundation annually raises money for the American Diabetes Association, which is a cause that has significant meaning to him as his mother, L'Tanya, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Hightower keeps a picture of his mother at his locker.