What Sam LaPorta Learned from Travis Kelce at TEU

Tight end Sam LaPorta was one of the biggest standouts during offseason workouts for the Detroit Lions.

He consistently impressed as he showcased both solid hands and route-running ability. 

And now as training camp nears, the rookie's stock continues to rise.

Recently, the Iowa product, who was taken No. 34 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, participated in this summer's Tight End University summit.

Tight End University was founded in 2021 by NFL tight ends George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen. TEU's aim is to bring attendees together, over the course of three days, to get to know and learn from the league's best tight ends, while participating in a variety of on-field drills. During the course of this multi-day program (which was held in Nashville, Tenn., this year), attendees also spend time inside the classroom learning about rest and recovery tips.

It was a very educational experience for LaPorta, who soaked up a myriad of lessons from the likes of Kelce and former NFL tight end-turned-broadcaster Greg Olsen. 

"We got to operate around a bunch of guys that I grew up watching … Greg Olsen, he is intense, and Travis Kelce. Watching them break down tape, seeing how they operate on the field was really, really cool," LaPorta expressed, via the NFL's official Twitter feed.

In recapping his first ever appearance at Tight End University, the first-year pro also highlighted receiving a YAC (yards after catch) talk from future Pro Football Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski and a pass-game breakdown from Kelce. He also mentioned obtaining a run-blocking demonstration from Kittle.

The gathering is intended to enhance the tight end position and allow players to expand their knowledge base at a key offensive position. 

"I think that was one of the things that we tried to do here is really just get everybody under the same roof," said Kelce, via ABC7 News. "Let's just talk about football to try and really, you know, enhance our position, enhance the game."

LaPorta is very much in the infancy stage of his NFL career, having yet to suit up for a regular season contest as a pro. However, so far, he certainly seems ultra serious about developing his craft and becoming a successful NFL tight end.

It should bode well for the 2023 second-rounder's future in the league.