Former Cowboys & Packers Coach Returns to Cowboys to Lead Team in Tough Season

Detroit, Michigan – November 22, 2025 Minutes after the Detroit Lions officially confirmed Sam LaPorta would miss the rest of the season with a back injury, the entire NFL was stunned when the Pro Bowl tight end voluntarily offered to take a pay cut so the team could free up money to acquire new talent for the most critical stretch of the year. An almost unheard-of gesture from a player forced off the field, yet one that perfectly embodies the spirit Detroit has always been proud of. LaPorta suffered the injury against the Eagles in Week 11 and was quickly placed on Injured Reserve. Initially the Lions hoped he could return by Week 15, but head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that chance is extremely low – essentially impossible. Losing LaPorta is a massive blow to Detroit because, from his rookie year onward, he has been the cornerstone of the offense and a vital piece in every single game plan. In this moment, LaPorta sent an emotional message that brought Detroit Nation to tears: “I can’t fight with the team on the field, but I still want to do something useful. If me sacrificing part of my salary can make the Lions stronger and give us a better chance, I’m ready. I love this place and I want to see Detroit keep moving forward because this entire city deserves to be proud.” Yet the front office’s response is what truly moved fans to their core. Instead of accepting his wish, they honored his spirit and made it clear they would never ask him to take less money. They emphasized that their only desire is for LaPorta to focus completely on recovery, come back at full strength, and continue being the heart of the offense for years to come. A genuine testament to real respect between player and organization. As the Lions prepare to enter a decisive stretch of games without one of their most reliable weapons, LaPorta’s selflessness has become a massive source of motivation inside the locker room. Even though he can’t be on the field, he’s still finding a way to fight – exactly like the tough, resilient, never-back-down nature of Detroit itself.