Sam LaPorta reveals the key to duplicating big rookie season

Sam LaPorta burst onto the scene in 2023, making the Pro Bowl while going for 889 yards,10 touchdowns and an NFL rookie tight end record 86 receptions. That doesn't mean he is prepared to rest on his laurels at all heading into Year 2.

Much like most of his Detroit Lions' teammates, LaPorta is striving to duplicate a big season.

"I think everybody's got something to prove this year. You see guys around the building like Jared (Goff). He's going into year eight or nine, maybe 10. He's been around the block a gazillion times and you still see him with a chip on his shoulder So, rookie (or) veteran, it doesn't really matter. We're all just working hard trying to add a little value."

Going into his second season, LaPorta feels better due to having a year of experience. But he knows he can learn from teammates who have had high-level success before him.

"I wouldn't say comfortable, because I know what it takes to compete and really thrive at this level, but I've been there, I've done it. I know what it takes and we got guys around the building that I can really lean on that have had success in the past. (I can ask) Amon-Ra St. Brown 'hey, how did you bounce back after a great year after year after year?' Jared (Goff), (Penei) Sewell, (Taylor) Decker, Frank (Ragnow). Go down the list. I have a lot of resources in the organization that I can ask those type of questions to."

Sam LaPorta: Detroit Lions' veterans emphasizing importance of daily improvement

When LaPorta asks those players for advice on how to maintain his elite status, what kind of information does he get? As he explained, the common theme of advice from veterans revolves around staying true to collective goals and finding incremental improvement.

"Rely on each other. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, but know that you have to have a certain sense of urgency to get better a little bit every day and this is the type of stuff that transitions into training camp, then the preseason and then games that actually matter. You may see us running around out here without pads on (and) just our helmets, but it's another work day for us and it's one more banked rep. You see us getting it after practice, you see us doing it in individual, then into groups and then in the team setting. We just take everything really seriously and know that it's going to translate at some point."

Armed with the right attitude and the proper motivation, LaPorta is doing what it takes to avoid a sophomore slump and another big season could very well be in store.