Linebacker Dont’a Hightower has added another Super Bowl ring to his collection.

The former Alabama standout earned his third Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots on Sunday. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. He was the unsung hero in a defensive-minded Super Bowl contest.

Hightower and Steve Wallace are tied for second place among Alabama college players with the most Super Bowl rings. Wallace, a former offensive tackle at Auburn, has three Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers.

With another Super Bowl championship, Hightower will tie John Stallworth for first place all-time among Alabama college players.

Stallworth, who played collegiately at Alabama A&M, was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ championship dynasty in the 1970’s. The big-play wide receiver is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I don’t think Hightower is a Hall of Famer right now, but his chances increase greatly if the Patriots capture another Super Bowl.

In my opinion, four Super Bowl rings will earn Hightower a gold jacket. The Hall of Fame selection committee can’t overlook four Super Bowl titles and Hightower’s ability to produce big plays in crunch time.

Hightower, who won two national titles at Alabama, made a key play in two of the Patriots’ last three Super Bowl wins.

Hightower tackled Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard-line in Super Bowl XLIX. On the next play, former West Alabama cornerback Malcolm Butler’s interception with 26 seconds left sealed the Patriots’ 28-24 win.

Two years later, Hightower’s sack and fumble of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned the game around and ignited a 34-28 Patriots overtime victory in Super Bowl XLI.

A knee injury kept Hightower from playing in last year’s Super Bowl, a Patriots’ 41-33 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. I believe if Hightower had played, New England would’ve won. They missed his leadership and versatility. He can play middle linebacker and outside linebacker.

Don’t be surprised if Hightower and the Patriots are back in the Super Bowl next year.