The last season witnessed a few rookie players emerging into the limelight of the NFL scene. Among those few, one is Tight End Sam LaPorta, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.

In his rookie season, the 23-year-old tight end set new records by catching 86 passes, gaining 889 yards, scoring 10 touchdowns, and even making two successful two-point conversions. As a result, LaPorta made it to the second-team All-Pro Honors list and earned the title of TE1. His numerous accolades and gameplay have drawn the attention of many NFL fans, making them eager to know about his personal life and family as well.

Sam LaPorta was born with athletic genes!

The 23-year-old Sam LaPorta’s contribution led the Lions to win the NFC wildcard playoff round last season. However, besides his hard work, he believes that the credit for becoming a valuable player for the Lions goes to his parents, who supported him throughout his football journey.

Number 87 of Detroit was born on January 12, 2001, in Highland, Illinois, USA, to Joseph (Joe) LaPorta and Staci LaPorta. The tight end’s father, Joe, was a professional football player who competed on William Jewell’s football team. Similarly, following the path of sports, Sam’s mother, Staci, played basketball and softball while attending Junior College. Her sports love didn’t die even when she traveled with Air Force squads.

Although not much else is known about them, it’s reported that the football player’s family is supportive of him in the field of football. This is evident from the fact that LaPorta once mentioned his family is very competitive, which helped him become the player he is today.

In a similar spirit, Sam has three sisters who are also athletically inclined. His older sister, Olivia, is currently pursuing a career in law. However, during her high school days, she played volleyball at Fordham. While his second older sister, Alex, played basketball for Missouri-St. Louis. The youngest sister, Bella, also followed in Olivia’s footsteps as she played volleyball at their father’s alma mater, William Jewell College.

From his Instagram sister’s day wish for the three, it is quite clear that the TE shares a close bond with his siblings. It is the family’s support and instilled competitive quality that helps the tight end to excel on the field. And that’s why he is getting praise from the NFL world, as even Kansas City Chiefs star TE acknowledged his promising future.

Travis Kelce ranked Sam LaPorta number 1?

It’s always a great feeling to be recognized by a senior who is your competitor, especially someone as talented as the Chiefs TE. The same was true for Sam LaPorta, who was praised by star TE, Travis Kelce. LaPorta’s rookie season with the Lions was extraordinary, and even Kelce agrees. At the Tight End U event in June, where he gave a motivational speech, Kelce named LaPorta the best TE of the year.

The 34-year-old was asked which tight end stood out the most in Nashville. Kelce didn’t take much time to answer, as he immediately mentioned, “LaPorta had a fu**ing year, dude. LaPorta had a year last year. I’m pumped on seeing where he goes his second year because his first year, he killed it.”

Not only that, Kelce continued his praise for LaPorta at another invitation. Kelce joined the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast about 5 days ago, where he hyped LaPorta again, saying, “Dude, LaPorta is a fuckin’ stud. LaPorta is nasty. Those Iowa guys. They’re all here. They’ve got it figured it out.”

Numbers also speak in the young TE’s favor. As per the statistics, his last year’s performance was: “Finished fifth among all TEs in receiving yards (889), first in receiving TDs (10), and fourth in receptions (86). His 86 catches were a record for any rookie tight end in history. Additionally, his 10 TDs catches was a tie of a franchise record for a TE.”

With the 2024 season almost here, LaPorta would continue to have his family’s support by his side, looking to edge his way to newer heights.