Meet our leader: Forrest Hightower

Career Highlights

Forrest Hightower is a former professional defensive back whose career reflects resilience, versatility, and championship success. Hightower played his college football at San Jose State University, where he proved himself as a reliable playmaker in the secondary. Over four seasons with the Spartans, he appeared in 47 games at multiple positions including corner, safety, and nickel back, while also contributing on special teams as a kick returner. He finished his college career with 126 tackles, three interceptions, and helped lead a defense that ranked first in the nation against the pass in 2014 before turning pro in the CFL.

Undrafted out of college, Hightower carved his path in the Canadian Football League, signing with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2015. He quickly became a key contributor, and in just his second season, he played an instrumental role in Ottawa’s historic 2016 Grey Cup championship, recording two interceptions in the title game. That performance cemented his reputation as a difference-maker on the biggest stage. His play earned him a brief opportunity in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints before returning to the CFL to join the Edmonton Eskimos (now Elks), where he spent three more seasons. In Edmonton, Hightower showcased his consistency and leadership, adding 73 tackles, five interceptions, and a sack to his professional totals. Across his CFL career, Hightower appeared in 55 games, compiling 136 tackles, 9 interceptions, and 2 sacks. In 2021, after six seasons of professional football, he chose to retire on his own terms, leaving the game as a Grey Cup champion and an example of perseverance for young athletes aspiring to follow a similar path.