Sam LaPorta Says He Broke His 'F--king Back' for Lions, Sounds Off on Lack of New Contract

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta wasn't pleased about the lack of a contract extension as he navigates through the 2026 season.

"I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play—it sucks," LaPorta said during a Wednesday appearance on Pardon My Take (h/t Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman ). "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 f--king 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."

The 25-year-old previously underwent season-ending surgery to repair a fully herniated disc in Nov. 2025.

On Oct. 4, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that LaPorta and the Lions broke off extension negotiations.

"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," LaPorta said Wednesday. "I'll go get paid somewhere else. So, whatever."

He's currently playing on the final year of his rookie contract .

The 25-year-old previously weighed in on contract discussions with Detroit on Oct. 7.

"I don't know if it's truly off the table, but I think there's certainly a stalemate right now and I'm really giving the reigns to my agent Jack Bechta," LaPorta said at the time, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard . "He's been handling it with the front office and all the advice he's given me so far is just that we haven't come to terms yet. That's about it."

He was initially selected by the Lions with a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft before putting together a rookie season in which he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He earned a Pro Bowl nod as well as a Second Team All-Pro selection for his efforts.

LaPorta's production dipped slightly the following year, although he still hauled in 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven scores.

He went on to record 489 yards on 40 catches across nine games during his shortened 2025 campaign.

This year, LaPorta ranks No. 5 among all tight ends with 316 receiving yards in five games. He's also found the end zone three times.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff owns a 139.1 passer rating when targeting LaPorta, according to Pro Football Focus .

Detroit currently owns a 3-2 record, but sits at No. 4 in the NFC North standings.

As LaPorta looks to help the Lions contend for a playoff berth, he's also searching for a new contract.