By Blessing 
You probably don’t need a reminder that longtime Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson packed his bags this offseason. But here we are. It happened, and now we all have to accept it.
Johnson didn’t just leave—he took the job in Chicago, where his main challenge will be convincing a city that’s spent decades doubting quarterbacks that, yes, they can actually be good. No pressure, right? Meanwhile, in Detroit, things are shifting under new offensive coordinator John Morton, who returns to the Lions after a stint as the Broncos’ passing game coordinator.
During an interview with Kay Adams at the NFLPA Classic golf tournament in Mexico (yes, that’s a real thing), Lions tight end Sam LaPorta shared his thoughts on Johnson’s departure and how the team is moving forward. If you were hoping for a fiery, dramatic response, well… buckle up for something much tamer.
Sam LaPorta’s Take: “Friends Turned to Enemies”
“Of course, happy for Ben, he was one of the big reasons they brought me into the Lions,” LaPorta said. “Nothing but respect for him. But again, on Sunday afternoons this fall, it’ll be friends turned to enemies I guess … It hurts, of course. You spend a lot of time with these people. You invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together. You know, it’s mutual. You’re excited that he’s going to go run his own team and organization. [He] has a lot on his plate. Just 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.”
Now, “friends turned to enemies” is a great line. Props to Adams for immediately making it the highlight of her post, even after saying she wouldn’t. But let’s be honest—this whole response feels a little… mild.
Look, we get it. LaPorta and Johnson have a solid relationship. They’ll probably hit the golf course in Tahoe together in the offseason. But this is an NFC North rivalry we’re talking about! Where’s the fire? Where’s the juice?
The “I guess” part of his answer says it all—it’s like he’s not totally sold on the whole rivalry thing. And hey, that’s fine. But if this is supposed to be the new era of heated Lions-Bears matchups, we need a little more spice. No, you’re taking this too seriously.