A few weeks back, reports emerged that the Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta had cut off contract extension talks after negotiations were no longer productive. Days later, LaPorta talked to the media and confirmed that both sides had reached a stalemate. In that media session, he took the high road, noting that he feels respected in the building and he wants to be optimistic about a deal eventually getting done.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play—it sucks,” LaPorta said. “It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my fucking back for this team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin’, and maybe they’re just not showing the love.”
We haven’t heard the Lions’ point of view on why contract issues have hit a snag, but both general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have expressed a ton of public appreciation for what LaPorta does and also made it clear they want him around long-term.
“There are always going to be two sides, and you work through these things, and just because there’s a report of that doesn’t mean that that’s some big issue, big deal,” Campbell said two weeks ago. “I love LaPorta. We love LaPorta. He’s a heck of a football player, and I thought he played his best game the other day. His work ethic, his production speaks for itself.”
It’s unclear if the two sides will resume talks during the season, or if it will be hashed out in the offseason. Regardless, LaPorta’s letting his agent take care of that, while he remains focused on the current NFL season. That said, it sounds like he’s already at ease if things don’t work out in Detroit.
“So I’m going to continue to do my thing and ball out, and in three months if I don’t get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions anymore, it’s going to be all good. I’ll go get paid somewhere else. So, whatever,” LaPorta said.
The whole interview is definitely worth your time. LaPorta talks about Dan Campbell’s fourth-down mindset and the culture shock of an aggressive offense after playing at Iowa. There’s also talk about blocking for Jahmyr Gibbs, how his back feels, playing on Thanksgiving, and submitting his name for the Italian flag football Olympic team.
