Dan Campbell Loses It in Press Conference Over Sam LaPorta Questions and Walks Away

Dan Campbell doesn't want TE Sam LaPorta's contract talks as a distraction for the Detroit Lions this season.

Dan Campbell Loses It in Press Conference Over Sam LaPorta Questions and Walks Away

(L) Dan Campbell and (R) Sam LaPorta (Image via IMAGO)

Dan Campbell gave a subtle warning to reporters about asking too many questions about tight end Sam LaPorta. They didn’t listen, and he walked off mid-presser.

Campbell is under a lot of pressure. After losing both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn in the same coaching window, the Lions failed to qualify for the playoffs. That came after they won the NFC North in consecutive years.

Detroit didn’t have a hot start to 2026 either. They dropped to 2-2 after losing to the Carolina Panthers. A win over the Cardinals in Week 5 improved their record but not enough to lift them out of the bottom of the division.

They had last week off, but have a big game coming up against the Packers on MNF. Ahead of it, All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta criticized the Lions for delaying his contract talks.

Reporters asked Campbell about Sam LaPorta during Thursday’s press conference. They didn’t get a proper reply.

I know what it may appear like. I know Sam. We all know Sam… Honestly, I don’t even think twice about those comments because I know what he’s about. We’re all good here and we’re not going to let this be a distraction.

Dan Campbell said

Campbell called the 25-year-old a great teammate and commended his preparations for the Packers game. Reporters didn’t seem satisfied with Campbell’s answer and pressed him even more. Then, the head coach refused to entertain them.

I am not answering anything. I’ve answered this I don’t know how many times. I said I didn’t want it to be a distraction, and now it’s becoming one because you keep asking these things. That’s why.

Dan Campbell said

The veteran head coach stormed off before they could ask more questions.

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What did Sam LaPorta say about his stalled contract talks?

Sam LaPorta has been ever-present on the Lions roster since 2023, quickly becoming one of the best tight ends. Analysts have drawn comparisons with future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. Some even urged the Chiefs to trade for LaPorta once Kelce retires.

Dan Campbell Loses It in Press Conference Over Sam LaPorta Questions, Walks Away
Sam LaPorta (Image via IMAGO)

LaPorta is playing the final year of his rookie contract. In a recent appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, LaPorta called out the Lions front office for holding off on signing him to a long-term extension. LaPorta didn’t mince his words.

“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play—It [expletive]… It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. Last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10… I break my [expletive] 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.

Sam LaPorta said on Wednesday’s episode of PMT.

He underwent surgery after suffering a season-ending back injury while playing the Washington Commanders in Week 10. However, the injury hasn’t affected his game this year. He has 27 receptions for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns in 5 starts.

Per Spotrac, LaPorta could match or sign an even better contract than Tucker Kraft. He signed a four-year, $75 million contract extension with the Packers in the offseason. The only difference is that the Packers could afford to pay Kraft, unlike the Lions.

The Lions have $35.24 million in cap space after extending running back Jahmyr Gibbs earlier in the year. Paying LaPorta will significantly lower the Lions’ capacity to add from free agency.

Nevertheless, the Lions should still go through with it. Elite tight ends don’t grow on trees, and more and more coaches are running twelve- and thirteen-man drills.

LaPorta will have a lot of suitors when his contract runs out. The Chiefs will definitely be in the mix as Kelce’s successor. Other teams to keep an eye on are the Eagles and the Cowboys.

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