Sam LaPorta

Sam LaPorta
LaPorta with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2021
No. 87  Detroit Lions
PositionTight end
Roster statusActive
Personal information
Born (2001-01-12) January 12, 2001
Highland, Illinois, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
High schoolHighland
CollegeIowa (2019–2022)
NFL draft2023: 2nd round, 34th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights

NFL record

  • Postseason receiving yards by a rookie tight end: 176
Career NFL statistics as of 2025
Receptions186
Receiving yards2,104
Receiving touchdowns20
Stats at Pro Football Reference 

Samuel Joseph LaPorta (born January 12, 2001) 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.