Sam LaPorta had a record breaking rookie season. He was recently selected for the Pro Bowl honors and had an incredible start to his NFL career. The Pro Bowl player had 86 catches which broke Keith Jackson’s record for RECs (receptions) by a rookie tight end. He also set the franchise record with 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns at the tight end position.
He was born on 12th January, 2001 to parents Joe and Stacy LaPorta in Highland, Illinois, United States. He also has three sisters who are all very athletic. LaPorta has two older sisters and a younger sister. His older sisters, Olivia and Alex, played volleyball and basketball respectively. His younger sister, Bella, plays volleyball.
LaPorta is a reliable pass catcher but he is also a good blocker for a tight end. LaPorta attended Highland High School and played wide receiver and defensive back. He had 3,793 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns. He helped Highland post a four year record of 40-6 and they had two losses in their two seasons combined.
With this record, LaPorta ranks second in Illinois high school history in receiving touchdowns and third in terms of receiving yards. LaPorta could also run track and play basketball which made him one of the best athletes in high school.
After getting many offers from other programs across the country, LaPorta decided to join the Iowa Hawkeyes football team. Playing for a prestigious program like Iowa, LaPorta had a tradition to uphold. Iowa searches for TE’s that can do a little bit of everything. This includes being athletic, a great pass catcher, and blocking. LaPorta finished his college career with 153 receptions, 1,786 yards, and five touchdowns.
After being drafted by the Detroit Lions as the 34th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, he has looked like a star tight end so far in his young career. The 6 foot 3 inch rookie has broken multiple records in his very first season like, most receptions by a rookie tight end in a single season with 86, most receptions by a tight end in their first three career games with 18, and first rookie tight end to accumulate 70 receptions, 700 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in a single season.
Sam LaPorta’s Nationality
LaPorta was born in Highland, Illinois, United States and attended Highland High School in terms of his schooling.
LaPorta helped the Lions make it to the playoffs and he also scored a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions ended up winning the matchup and LaPorta had 14 receiving yards, one touchdown, and three receptions. He is coming off of a knee injury that he suffered in week 18 of the NFL regular season.
Sam LaPorta County FAQ's
A. Sam LaPorta played college football for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes from 2019 to 2022.
A. Sam LaPorta was named the Kwalick–Clark Tight End of the Year in 2022 and had a successful career at Iowa, showcasing his receiving and blocking abilities.
A. Sam LaPorta was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round (34th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
A. LaPorta made his return against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs after suffering a knee injury during week 18 of the NFL season.
