Sam LaPorta makes NFL history in first two career games
The Iowa Hawkeyes churn out one tight end after another and their most recent one to join the NFL, Sam LaPorta, proves to be no exception. The rookie second-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions is wasting no time putting himself among rare NFL history.
Rookie tight ends don’t always produce right away as it is traditionally regarded as one of the tougher positions to move to in the NFL due to the intense size and speed adjustment they face in defensive ends and linebackers.
LaPorta seems to be adapting just fine. As reported by the Lions’ official public relations, he is the first tight end in NFL history to have five or more receptions in the first two games of their career. The 10 receptions that LaPorta has reeled in are also the second-most ever recorded by any tight end through their first two games in the NFL.
.@Lions TE @Samlaporta is the 1st TE in @NFL history to log 5+ receptions in each of the first two games of their career.
His 10 receptions through two games tie for the 2nd-most any #NFL TE has had through two-career games.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/JhhcP5aOYw
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) September 18, 2023
Through the first two games of his NFL career, LaPorta has tallied 10 receptions on 11 targets for 102 yards, continuing his trustworthiness with quarterbacks. He is averaging 10.2 yards per catch and is a walking first down for the Lions.
During his career at Iowa, Sam LaPorta finished with 153 receptions for 1,786 yards and five touchdowns. He left Iowa with his stats among the likes of George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant, and Dallas Clark. With his current start to his NFL career, LaPorta looks primed to continue the rich tradition of Iowa tight ends excelling in the NFL.
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