Sam LaPorta Feels 'Bad' If Honest Quotes on Lions Contract Were Distraction, Clarifies Intentions

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta didn't want his comments about contract talks with the team to become a distraction.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, LaPorta said he feels "bad" if he caused a distraction for the Lions and clarified what he was trying to say.

"I feel bad if there was any sort of distraction to the team or my teammates or the coaches, but I think there was maybe a misconception with… My intentions are I want to play for this team," LaPorta said. "I give everything I have. My teammates do, as well. They all love me, respect me and support me, and they want to see me be happy and be compensated."

LaPorta made headlines earlier this week during an appearance on Pardon My Take when discussing his future. He said the Lions were "not showing the love" and hinted at potentially playing elsewhere when his rookie deal expires after this season.

"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," LaPorta said (h/t ESPN.com ). "So whatever."

Later in the podcast, LaPorta referenced the season-ending back injury he suffered last year as part of what he has given to the Lions organization without feeling like it is reciprocated:

"I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks. 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 the team. And then I'm going out there this year and I'm balling, and maybe they're just not showing the love."

Lions head coach Dan Campbell downplayed the situation when discussing it during his Friday press conference, saying he didn't "even think twice about those comments because I know what he's about."

Detroit does not currently have a tight end under contract beyond the 2026 season. LaPorta, Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin are all set to become free agents.

A second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, LaPorta is making $5.7 million this season. Last year marked the first time he suffered a major injury after appearing in 33 out of 34 games between the 2023 and '24 seasons.

LaPorta has played in each of Detroit's first five games so far this season. He ranks second on the team with 316 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.