The D.C. Defenders signed wide receiver John Hightower for the 2024 season on Thursday.
John Hightower is six foot two and weighs 190 pounds. The 27-year-old from Landover, Maryland, made one catch for 10 yards, and two punt returns for five yards in three preseason games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. The Chargers signed Hightower as a free agent on September 28, 2022, and was placed on the practice squad.
Before Los Angeles, Hightower was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round (168th pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played two seasons in Philadelphia making 10 catches for 167 yards, one carry for one yard, and one kick return for 17 yards in 14 games.
Collegiately, Hightower played two seasons at Hinds Community College (2016-17) making 31 catches for 509 yards, and seven touchdowns in 18 games for the Eagles. In addition, he competed in track and field and was honored by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-American for finishing fourth in the Finals of 400-Meter Hurdles at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Nationals.
Then, Hightower transferred to Bosie State (2018-19) making 82 catches for 1,447 yards, 14 touchdowns, 24 carries for 317 yards, two touchdowns, 36 kick returns for 840 yards, one touchdown, and one punt return for two yards in 24 games for the Broncos. He was a two-time Second Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2019 as a wide receiver and kick returner.
