By Sunday 
Off the field, Sam LaPorta is just as clutch as he is on it. While gearing up for what promises to be a breakout third NFL season, the Detroit Lions’ star tight end also checked off a major personal milestone: he got married.
“A House Built on Rock”
On June 14, LaPorta tied the knot with longtime partner Callahan Dellinger in a ceremony they commemorated with a heartfelt Instagram caption:
“A house built on rock. 6/14/25.”
The comments section lit up with well wishes from fans and friends alike—but one in particular stood out. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, a fellow Iowa Hawkeye alum, kept it short and sweet:
“Congrats!!”
But if you’ve followed Kittle and LaPorta’s friendship, you know there’s a deeper layer to the moment.
Kittle’s Always Been a Believer
Kittle was one of LaPorta’s biggest fans well before he ever wore Honolulu Blue. After Detroit snagged LaPorta with the No. 34 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Kittle didn’t hold back his excitement:
“LaPorta is going to be fantastic. I think LaPorta’s the best tight end in the draft class… I spent two weeks training with Sam LaPorta, and the way he moves—oh yeah, he’s got the dog in him.”
That “dog in him” mentality has shown on the field since day one. In just 33 games with Detroit, LaPorta has racked up 146 receptions, 1,615 yards, and 17 touchdowns—numbers that rival veterans and elevate expectations for 2025.
Married, Mentally Locked In & Ready to Go
Now entering his third season, LaPorta seems to have found balance: explosive athlete on Sundays, grounded and happy off the field. The Lions open their 2025 regular season against the Green Bay Packers on September 7, and fans are hoping this new chapter in LaPorta’s life translates into even more magic on the gridiron.
If George Kittle’s praise is any indication, Detroit has a star—and a newlywed—who’s just getting started.