Dan Campbell is sick and tired of answering questions over Sam LaPorta’s contract and the Detroit Lions head coach would like them to stop.
He showed that was the case on Friday, when reporters continued to ask Campbell questions about LaPorta’s contract situation with the team, which was thrust into the spotlight yet again this week after the public comments the Lions tight end made that showed his frustration.
To his credit, Campbell has always been willing to answer questions on the subject, but he clearly hit his breaking point on Friday.
“I’m not answering anything. I’ve answered this I don’t know how many times,” Campbell said. “I said I didn’t want it to be a distraction, and now it’s becoming one because you keep asking these things. That’s why.”
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After saying that, Campbell abruptly ended the press conference.
Woah Dan Campbell walks off AGITATED about Sam LaPorta questions https://t.co/YyBMpVEGdO
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) October 23, 2026
We should point out that Campbell had answered questions about LaPorta and his recent comments expressing his frustration with his contract situation before that, so it’s not like Campbell immediately shut them down.
The Lions coach is normally a very jovial guy, so he’s got to be next-level fed up to react that way. Even still, that’s a fairly tame response compared to other coaches who get frustrated.
Campbell’s frustration is understandable, though.
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After all, contract negotiations aren’t his thing and there isn’t much he can add to the conversation as the head coach. That’s general manager Brad Holmes’ wheelhouse.
What did Sam LaPorta say about his contract?
While appearing on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, LaPorta made it very clear he’s not happy about the lack of a new deal with Detroit.
His comments come after it was reported earlier this month that the two sides cut off contract talks after failing to reach an agreement.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play, it sucks,” LaPorta stated. “It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt.”
“Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my f–cking back for this team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin’, and maybe they’re just not showing the love,” he added.
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LaPorta is referring to the back injury he suffered in 2025 that ended his season early and led to concerns about his long-term outlook.
The Lions tight end has completely recovered from that and is now in the midst of a career year. He’s on pace for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.
But that injury is another reminder why football players don’t want to wait long to get a new contract. Tomorrow is never promised today in the NFL, so we get where LaPorta is coming from.
That said, if he continues on his current trajectory, he’s going to get a top-of-the-market deal in 2027, whether that’s from the Lions or someone else.
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