Sam LaPorta Shares Lions’ Reaction to Ben Johnson Taking Bears Job

You probably recall that longtime Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left this offseason. I know—it’s tough to accept. But it happened, and now we all have to move forward.

Johnson joined the Bears, where he now faces the challenge of convincing one of the most skeptical fan bases in the NFL that quarterbacks can, in fact, succeed. Sounds like a blast! Meanwhile, things will look at least somewhat different in Detroit with new offensive coordinator John Morton, who returns after spending two years as a passing game coordinator with the Broncos.

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 opened up about Johnson’s departure and how the team is adjusting. His response was about as low-energy as you’d expect.

“Of course happy for Ben, he was one of the big reasons they brought me into the Lions,” he 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.”

Friends turned enemies is a fantastic line, and Adams immediately used it in her tweet after claiming she wouldn’t. But honestly, LaPorta needs to bring more fire. I get it—they’re still friends, and they’ll probably play golf in Tahoe together, but this response lacks spice. The whole casual “on Sunday afternoons, I guess” attitude isn’t cutting it.

I won’t tell anyone how to handle their friendships, but I have plenty of suggestions for LaPorta. If this is going to be the next great NFC North rivalry, it’s time to start acting like it. No, you’re taking this too seriously.