Sam LaPorta is an American professional football player who serves as a tight end for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). After a standout college career at Iowa, where he was named the Big Ten Tight End of the Year, he was selected by the Lions in the 2023 NFL draft.
LaPorta is notable for his exceptional rookie season, during which he was named a second-team All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl. He set a new NFL record for the most receptions by a rookie tight end and also established new Detroit Lions franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a player in his position.
He has recently been in the news due to a significant injury. In late November 2025, Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed that LaPorta had undergone back surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. This development has prompted widespread media discussion about his absence from games and the search for a replacement within the team's lineup.
Latest related news
- Sam LaPorta's absence clears the runway for someone Lions fans want to see play - SideLion Report 2025-11-24 00:00 · SideLion Report
- Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday, Nov. 21, that Sam LaPorta recently underwent back surgery and likely will miss the rest of the year. See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/48jsf51 - facebook.com 2025-11-23 23:00 · facebook.com
- Lions' stealthy Sam LaPorta replacement is lurking on Raiders' practice squad - SideLion Report 2025-11-23 23:00 · SideLion Report
- Is Sam LaPorta Playing Today? (Injury Update, Betting Impact for Giants vs. Lions) - Sports Illustrated 2025-11-23 19:20 · Sports Illustrated
- Sam LaPorta injury update: Will Detroit Lions TE play vs Giants? - Yahoo Sports 2025-11-23 17:30 · Yahoo Sports
- Cowboys' Jake Ferguson has clear lane to Pro Bowl after latest injury news - The Landry Hat 2025-11-23 03:00 · The Landry Hat
- Sam LaPorta Injury Update: Detroit Lions Face Setback with Pro Bowler’s Season in Doubt - Somos Hermanos - 2025-11-22 21:53 · Somos Hermanos -
- Sam LaPorta injury is huge loss for Lions, but not a crippling blow - MSN 2025-11-22 16:39 · MSN
- Lions TE Sam LaPorta Receives Major Update Following IR Designation In Week 11 - Sports Illustrated 2025-11-22 11:15 · Sports Illustrated
- Tyler Sullivan joins Sudu Upadhyay to break down the situation surrounding Sam LaPorta's injury - 247Sports 2025-11-22 08:20 · 247Sports