Timothy Michael Hightower (born May 23, 1986) is a former American football running back. He played college football at the University of Richmond and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He also played for the Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Florida Blacktips and San Francisco 49ers. He was named director of alumni relations for the Washington Commanders in 2020. College career As a true freshman at the University of Richmond in 2004, Hightower played in all 11 games for the Spiders and carried the ball 58 times for 161 yards. He also made 19 receptions for 158 yards. In his sophomore year, Hightower played in 13 games and started nine, rushing 142 times for 777 yards and nine touchdowns and catching 21 passes for 163 yards. He finished third on the team in scoring with 54 total points on nine touchdowns. Starting all 11 games as a junior, Hightower posted career-highs in carries (177), rushing yards (850), receptions (34), receiving yards (269), and touchdown catches (2). He scored seven touchdowns and was a Third-team All-Atlantic 10 selection. In his senior season, Hightower set school season-records with 1,924 yards and 20 touchdowns, carrying the ball 327 times (5.9 avg). His average of 137.43 yards per game rushing led the league and ranked sixth in the nation, earning him an All-Colonial Athletic Association first-team selection. NFL playing career Hightower was not invited to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, but performed well at Richmond's "pro day". He was considered one of the "small-school sleepers" in the 2008 NFL Draft, but lacked the speed of elite running back prospects. Regarded as "more of a ‘three yards and a cloud of dust’ runner", Hightower was projected as a solid middle-round pick. Arizona Cardinals Hightower was drafted in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. 2008 On June 5, 2008, the Arizona Cardinals signed him to a 3-year, $1.28 million contract. Going into his rookie season, Hightower was behind veteran running back Edgerrin James on the Cardinals' depth chart. In the Cardinals' season opener at the San Francisco 49ers, he had 8 carries for 13 rushing yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. He then became the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a touchdown in each of his first two games with the franchise. During