Sam LaPorta

Player Information

Samuel Joseph LaPorta is an American professional football tight end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was named the Big Ten Tight End of the Year in 2022. He was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. As a rookie, LaPorta was named a second-team All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl. He also broke the NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end (since broken by 2024 rookie Brock Bowers), along with setting Detroit franchise records for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns by a tight end.
Full Name :
Samuel Joseph LaPorta
Birthdate :
12 January 2001
Birthplace :
Highland, Illinois, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
191
Weight (kg) :
111
Nationality :
United States
Education :
Highland (High School), Iowa (College)
Career Started :
2023
Notable Achievements :
Second-team All-Pro (2023), Pro Bowl (2023), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2023), Big Ten Tight End of the Year (2022), First-team All-Big Ten (2022), Second-team All-Big Ten (2021)
Current Team :
Detroit Lions
Drafted :
2023
Drafted by :
Detroit Lions
Active Status :
From - 2023, To - Present

Biography

Sam LaPorta is an emerging tight end for the Detroit Lions, drafted 34th overall in 2023. He recorded impressive stats, including over 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his initial two seasons. LaPorta earned Pro Bowl honors and set a rookie record for postseason receptions. His strong family support and work ethic contribute to his success on and off the field. For more details on his early life and career path, one can investigate further.

Early Life

Sam LaPorta had a remarkable early life marked by both athletic and academic achievements. He attended Highland High School, where he made a notable impact on the football field, ranking first in Illinois high school history with 50 receiving touchdowns and third with 3,793 receiving yards.

His dedication extended beyond sports; he earned Academic All-State recognition for three consecutive years, reflecting his commitment to both his studies and athletics.

Following high school, LaPorta pursued a business major at the University of Iowa, where he continued to excel academically, earning Dean’s List recognition in Spring 2020 and Fall 2022.

Family Life

Sam LaPorta values his family’s steadfast support throughout his football path. He credits his strong work ethic and dedication to the principles instilled in him by his parents, who have been his loyal supporters.

LaPorta maintains a close relationship with his family, including his siblings, and often expresses gratitude for their encouragement and belief in his abilities.

Despite limited media coverage, his family’s influence is clear in his commitment to the sport.

Career

Sam LaPorta was selected by the Detroit Lions in the alternate round (34th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He made an immediate impact in the league, becoming the primary tight end in NFL history to record at least 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his initial two seasons.

LaPorta’s exceptional performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2023 and he was recognized with AP Second-Team All-Pro honors.

His record-setting rookie season included 21 receptions in the postseason, the most by a rookie tight end in NFL history.

In 2024, he continued to excel with 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns, leading all NFL tight ends in receiving touchdowns during the 2023 season and ranking among the top tight ends in Lions history.

Net Worth

As of October 2023, Sam LaPorta’s net worth is approximately $2 million, primarily from his NFL salary and endorsements.

LaPorta signed a four-year rookie contract with the Detroit Lions worth about $8.2 million, which includes a signing bonus exceeding $3 million.

His performance as a standout tight end and Pro Bowl selection in 2023 has positioned him for considerable future earnings, further amplified by his strong engagement with fans and social media presence.