Tim Hightower attempting NFL comeback with Saints

Tim Hightower was in the midst of what looked like the best season of his career when he suffered a torn ACL in 2011 as a member of the Washington Redskins.

The 28-year-old running back hasn't played a game since, but is hoping to get a second chance after signing a reserve/futures contract with the New Orleans Saints in January.

"When I went down, I wrote down on a sheet of paper that this wouldn't be the end for me," Hightower told Evan Woodbery of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "That didn't mean that I didn't have emotions, that I didn't have times where I was angry and frustrated. It was a long process. But I don't think I ever stopped training. I don't think I ever stopped working toward this goal. As I trained, as I did rehab, as I went to the different surgeries, I just tried to keep that end picture in mind."

Hightower isn't the only player chasing a comeback dream with the Saints. Kenny Phillips, who signed with New Orleans a few days before Hightower, is also trying to revive his career after struggling with his own knee problems.

Hightower's deal with the Saints is for one year and includes no guarantees. He knows he'll face stiff competition for a final roster spot, but insists he has plenty of fight left.

"For me, it's not even a question. When I signed up for this, when I was a kid, I had a dream," he said. "This is what I wanted to do. I have a child now. I have a family now. I'm a little bit older, but that dream never left."