The Detroit Lions are facing some major adjustments for 2025 after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the rival Chicago Bears. One of the team’s standout players is not hiding how much the move hurts.
In an appearance on FanDuel’s “Up & Adams,” Lions tight end Sam LaPorta made clear he was happy for Johnson, who landed the Bears head coaching job earlier in the offseason. He was also painfully honest in revealing how much it hurt to see Johnson leave.
“Of course, happy for Ben. He was one of the big reasons that they brought me into the Lions. Nothing but respect for him, but again, on Sunday afternoons this fall, there’ll be friends turned to enemies, I guess.
“It hurts, of course. You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together. It’s mutual. You’re excited that he’s going to go run his own team and have a lot on his plate. Very exciting times for him, and it’s exciting times for us too as we turn towards our new staff and have a bright future together as well.”
"It hurts…"
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) March 25, 2025
Lions TE Sam LaPorta on saying bye to Ben Johnson.
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The Lions drafted LaPorta in 2023, one year after Johnson had taken over as the team’s offensive coordinator. It makes sense that Johnson had a significant say in that pick, and that the two were close.
Lions players clearly had a lot of affection for Johnson judging from their interactions since the former offensive coordinator’s departure. The fact that they will face off twice a year in the NFC North only makes the situation stranger.
The Lions replaced Johnson from outside of the organization, so LaPorta and his teammates will need to familiarize themselves with a new coach. No matter what, the tight end should be a big part of Detroit’s offense, having racked up 1,615 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over his first two NFL seasons.
