The Detroit Lions’ offense fought until the final whistle at Ford Field during their postseason defeat to the Washington Commanders, marking the end of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s tenure with the team. Johnson has since taken over as head coach for the Chicago Bears, but Detroit supporters remain optimistic heading into the 2025-26 season. With John Morton now steering the offense and a roster full of talent, expectations are high in the Motor City.
On Tuesday, Sam LaPorta, the Lions’ standout tight end, captured fans’ attention with a heartfelt announcement made from an iconic destination. The former Iowa Hawkeye shared on Instagram that he and his wife, Callahan Dellinger LaPorta, had received a blessing from none other than Pope Leo XIV.
“Grateful to a very busy man for blessing me and my bride,” LaPorta wrote alongside a photo featuring the couple and the Pope.
Fans were quick to respond with excitement and humor. One account, lionsmemes, joked, “Now that the Pope has given his blessing, a record-setting season is guaranteed.”
Another fan commented, “That’s all I needed to see—our TE1 has been blessed by the Pope. All-Pro season incoming.”
One supporter even predicted a massive statistical year, saying, “My tight end just got blessed by the Pope—1500 yards season here we come,” punctuated with a laughing-crying emoji.
Messages of congratulations and good wishes continued to roll in. “Incredible!!! Congrats and God bless both of you!” one follower wrote, while another added, “A few great folks from Illinois!”
LaPorta also received support from fellow tight ends. Luke Lachey, another former Iowa player, responded with several praying hands emojis. Luke Schoonmaker, a University of Michigan product now with the Dallas Cowboys, left a heartfelt reply as well: “Unreal bro, God bless you both.”
