Sam LaPorta has a message for Ben Johnson now that his former offensive coordinator is the Chicago Bears’ head coach.
During a March 26 appearance on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show, the Detroit Lions tight end praised Johnson, whom he worked with for two seasons.
“Happy for Ben,” LaPorta said. “He played a key role in bringing me to the Lions.”
LaPorta was attending the NFLPA Classic golf tournament in Mexico but was already thinking about the 2025 season when the Lions will face the Bears twice. Though thrilled for his former OC, LaPorta had a message for Johnson about game day.
“Nothing but respect for him, but on Sunday afternoons this fall,” LaPorta told Adams, “friends will become enemies.”
After helping draft him in 2023, Johnson quickly incorporated LaPorta into the Lions’ system, maximizing his versatility, route-running, and physicality in both short-yardage and deep-passing plays.
Statistically, LaPorta delivered one of the most impressive rookie seasons for a tight end in NFL history. In 2023, he recorded 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 86 catches set a Lions franchise record for a tight end and ranked among the best rookie tight end seasons in league history.
Their partnership was built on trust. Johnson consistently praised LaPorta’s intelligence and work ethic, while LaPorta credited Johnson for utilizing his strengths. By leveraging LaPorta’s skills in tight end-friendly schemes—such as mismatches against linebackers and option routes in space—Johnson made him a primary offensive weapon. It’s understandable why LaPorta will miss that.
“It hurts, of course,” LaPorta admitted to Adams about Johnson’s move to a division rival. “You invest so much time, energy, and effort together. It’s mutual—you’re happy for him leading his own team, but we’re also excited as we turn toward our new staff.”
Now, Johnson will coach Bears TEs Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe, likely adding a young prospect in the draft just as he did in Detroit.
Johnson frequently designed plays to maximize LaPorta’s strengths, such as seam routes against zone defenses or drag routes to enhance his yards-after-catch potential. His adaptability kept LaPorta fresh and unpredictable, making it difficult for defenses to anticipate his usage. Their collaboration accelerated LaPorta’s development and added a new dynamic to Detroit’s offense. Expect similar strategies in Chicago.
Johnson’s innovative offensive approach made LaPorta’s rookie season historic, showcasing how tight ends can excel early when placed in the right system. Watching them compete next season and beyond will be exciting.