DETROIT — Highland, Illinois, native Sam LaPorta was named a finalist for The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, the NFL announced Thursday.
LaPorta was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2023 draft, No. 34 overall. He attended Highland High School and played college football at the University of Iowa.
LaPorta caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 scores with the Detroit Lions. He was fourth in the league in receptions, fifth in yards, and first in touchdowns among tight ends.
He also set an NFL record by becoming the first NFL tight end to catch at least five passes in each of his first three games. He made 18 catches through three games, the most by an NFL tight end. The previous record was held by Keith Jackson in 1988 with 17 receptions.
The 23-year-old and the Lions were 12-5 this season, tied for most wins ever in a season for the franchise.
Detroit then defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Wild Card round 24-23 and clinched their first divisional title since 1993 with a 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions will face the San Fransico 49ers at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the NFC Championship.
Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs is also a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Click here to view the full list of finalists.
The winners will be announced at the NFL Honors at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.
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