Jared Goff’s key weapon in Lions makes major admission about Ben Johnson’s departure to Bears

This new era for the Detroit Lions in the NFL will feature some different faces compared to the ones that had a great campaign last season. Ben Johnson is one of those who will no longer be alongside Dan Campbell, as he became the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. It was none other than a key teammate of Jared Goff who spoke about his absence as they look ahead.

Sam LaPorta arrived in Detroit at the start of 2023, after being selected in the second round of the draft from the Iowa Hawkeyes. During his last season, he became a key piece in Johnson’s system, a relationship that we will no longer see moving forward in the league.

In a recent conversation with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show, the talented tight end shared his feelings after the sudden departure of the now former offensive coordinator of the Lions to a direct rival in the NFC North.

“It hurts, of course,” he started. “You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together. You know it’s mutual, you’re excited that he’s gonna run his own team and organization and have a lot on his plate. So, just very exciting times for him, and it is exciting times for us too as we turn towards our new staff and have a bright future as well.”

Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions runs off the field after his team defeated the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

“Of course, happy for Ben,” the tight end said. “He was one of the big reasons they brought me into the Lions. Nothing but respect for him, but again, on Sunday afternoons this fall, there will be friends turned to enemies.”

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LaPorta’s strong connection with Goff

Selected with the 34th pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Sam LaPorta has gradually become one of the key figures at his position, developing a strong connection with his quarterback, Jared Goff.

In his first season as a Lion, he played all 17 games, starting in 14 of them. In total, he scored 10 touchdowns, recording 16 receptions for 889 yards.

Last season, when his team even made it to the playoffs, LaPorta played 16 regular-season games (starting in all of them), and totaled 7 touchdowns. He recorded 60 receptions for 726 yards.

With the arrival of John Morton as the new offensive coordinator in Detroit, it is expected that not only will the tight end maintain these statistics, but also potentially surpass them.