John Hightower (American football)

John Hightower IV (born May 31, 1996) is an American football wide receiver for the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Boise State and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Early life
Hightower attended Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

College career
Hightower originally attended Hinds Community College for two years before attending Boise State University. In the two years at Hinds, he had 31 receptions for 509 yards and seven touchdowns. During his first year at Boise State in 2018, Hightower started four of 10 games, recording 31 receptions for 504 yards and six touchdowns. In his senior season in 2019, he started 13 of 14 games and had 51 receptions for 943 yards and eight touchdowns.

Philadelphia Eagles
Hightower was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round with the 168th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft.

On August 31, 2021, Hightower was waived by the Eagles and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was placed on the COVID-19 list on December 28 and activated seven days later. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on February 3, 2022.

On August 30, 2022, Hightower was waived by the Eagles.

Los Angeles Chargers
On September 28, 2022, Hightower was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 17, 2023. He was released on August 29, 2023, as a part of the team’s final roster cuts.

DC Defenders
On February 15, 2024, Hightower signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He was released on March 10, 2024.

Michigan Panthers
On March 14, 2024, Hightower was signed by the Michigan Panthers of the UFL. He was released on May 13.