Sam LaPorta, the number 87, plays as a tight end for the NFL franchise Detroit Lions. Born on January 12, 2001, LaPorta is a native of Highland, Illinois, U.S.
LaPorta was part of the team against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card playoff 2023 game. His contribution led his team to victory in a 24-23 lead. He went to Highland High School in Illinois. While there he played as Wide receiver and defensive back. Throughout his career in High School, he accumulated a total of 3,793 receiving yards and scored 50 touchdowns.
He went to the University of Iowa in 2019. LaPorta showcased his talent in 12 games, securing two starts and overcoming an injury absence. He totaled 15 receptions for 188 yards during the season. The Tight end made his debut with two receptions for 43 yards at Northwestern, including a 41-yard long. In the critical moments of the game against Nebraska, he achieved a career-high three receptions for 37 yards, with his 22-yard reception leading to a game-winning field goal. The season concluded with a standout performance in the Holiday Bowl against #22 USC, where he achieved a career-best six receptions for 44 yards, including a 14-yard long.
In 2020, he achieved honors such as Fourth-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele, Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by coaches and media), John Mackey Award preseason Watch List, and Athlon Sports' preseason fourth-team All-Big Ten. LaPorta led his team with 27 receptions and ranked second in receiving yards (271) with one touchdown. His other admirable performances include a career-high five receptions for 71 yards at Purdue, six receptions for 46 yards against Northwestern, and three receptions for 32 yards at Penn State. He led receivers with five receptions for 38 yards against Nebraska, also recording one solo tackle. He secured his first career touchdown on a 22-yard reception at Illinois. Ended the season with a reception for 11 yards in a win over #25 Wisconsin.
During the 2022 season, LaPorta earned preseason accolades, including being named to the Rotary Lombardi Award and Mackey Award Preseason Watch List. He was recognized as Preseason Third-Team All-American by Phil Steele, Fourth-Team All-American by Athlon Sports, and First-Team All-Big Ten by both Steele and Athlon. LaPorta scored his only touchdown of the season in a 24–3 win over Purdue. He also received honors as Fourth-Team All-American (Phil Steele), First-Team All-Big Ten, and the Kwalick–Clark Tight End of the Year award. LaPorta capped off his Iowa career ranking 14th in career receiving yards (1,786) on 153 receptions, leading Iowa tight ends in catches and ranking second in yards.
Sam LaPorta Parents
Sam LaPorta’s parents are Joseph (Joe) LaPorta and Staci LaPorta. He was born to them on January 12, 2001. He was raised in Illinois. The Lion’s tight end has three sisters. Two are older than him and one is younger than him. LaPorta’s whole family is very athletically inclined. This is backed by how his mother, father, and sisters, all have played some sport at the college level. He has also revealed how his family is very competitive which helped him become the player he is today.
His oldest sister is Olivia LaPorta. She is four years older than him. She used to play volleyball for Fordham. Currently, she is pursuing to be a lawyer. His other sister, Alex LaPorta, is two years older than the tight end. She played basketball for Missouri-St. Louis. Bella (another sister) is two years younger than him, and she plays volleyball at William Jewell.
Sam LaPorta Father
Joseph (Joe) LaPorta is Sam Laporta’s father. His father played football on William Jewell’s football team.
Sam LaPorta Mother
Staci LaPorta is Sam LaPorta’s mother. She used to play basketball and softball while she was in Junior College. She also played these sports while with traveling Air Force squads.
What Nationality Are Sam LaPorta’s Parents?
Sam LaPorta is an American. He was born and raised in America to parents who are also American.
FAQs on Sam LaPorta
A. Sam LaPorta attended the University of Iowa from 2019-2022. He appeared in the 2023 NFL draft in 2023.
A. Sam LaPorta's average annual salary is $2,366,498.
A. Sam LaPorta weighs about 245 lbs (111 kg)
A. Sam LaPorta does know how to block.
A. Sam LaPorta wears jersey number 87 for the Lions.