Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has officially flipped the script on his contract talks, telling the “Pardon My Take” podcast that if a deal isn’t struck, he’s ready to “go get paid somewhere else.” This isn’t the “taking the high road” LaPorta we heard from just weeks ago. This is a man feeling the sting, making it clear the stalemate between him and the team is weighing heavy.
Putting His Body on the Line, But Where’s the Love?
Weeks ago, reports popped up that contract extension talks between LaPorta and the Lions had stalled out, becoming unproductive. LaPorta himself confirmed the stalemate to the media, playing it cool and saying he felt respected, holding onto optimism for a deal. But on the podcast, LaPorta got real. He vented about the frustration of putting his body on the line every single week and not feeling like he’s financially supported for it. This isn’t just about money, it’s about respect for what he puts himself through.
“I think the combination of getting your heart-strings twisted as well as the violent sport we play,it sucks,” LaPorta told the podcast. “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.” That back injury from last year was a major deal, causing him serious stress and even thoughts about his career ending. It totally makes sense why financial security is at the forefront of his mind right now.
Lions Talk Love, LaPorta Talks Moving On
We haven’t heard the Lions’ side of why these talks hit a wall. But both General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell have been super public with their appreciation for LaPorta, making it clear they want him sticking around long term. Campbell tried to downplay the reports a couple of weeks back. “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. “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.”
Despite the love from the coaching staff, LaPorta seems to be steeling himself for any outcome. While it’s up in the air if talks will resume this season or get pushed to the offseason, LaPorta’s agent is handling the business side. LaPorta himself says he’s focused on balling out for the current NFL season. But the most eye-opening part? He sounds totally 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,” he dropped.
That’s a bold statement that should definitely catch the attention of Lions fans and management. With LaPorta staying focused on the field and letting his agent deal with the contract, we’ll be watching to see if this public venting pushes the Lions to get a deal done, or if LaPorta truly is ready to move on. The podcast interview, by the way, also dug into Campbell’s aggressive fourth-down mindset and LaPorta’s culture shock coming into that kind of offense. It’s clear LaPorta is bought into the football, but maybe not the business.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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