Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch Nominated for Rookie of the Week

Two Detroit Lions rookies earn recognition against the Falcons.

The Detroit Lions are gaining significant contributions from their 2023 rookie class. 

Both Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch have been recognized with NFL Rookie of the Week nominations for their stellar performances in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons. 

Linebacker Jack Campbell, who played with the talented tight end at Iowa, is not surprised at all by his early success. 

They spent four years living together and formed an extremely close bond.

Now, the two are teammates with the Lions and have a chance to support each other on a day-to-day basis during their respective NFL journeys.

LaPorta has made the most of his early opportunities, and has proven to be one of Detroit’s most impressive first-year players.

The former Iowa tight end has amassed at least five catches in each of his first three games, including a career-best eight receptions Sunday against the Falcons. He finished the Lions’ Week 3 tilt with a career-high 84 yards and his first career touchdown.

Additionally, LaPorta owns the NFL record for the most receptions recorded through a tight end’s first three career games (18).

Campbell is anything but shocked by his former Iowa teammate’s productive start to his tenure in the NFL.

“What he’s done from college to now doesn’t surprise me at all,” Campbell said of the ex-Hawkeyes pass-catcher’s success. “Just the way he approaches everything, the way he takes care of his body. Obviously, he’s smart and obviously, he’s got really, really high, unique ability at the tight end position, to be the receiving threat that he is. So, hats off to him. I’m so proud of him.”

Branch has acclimated well to Aaron Glenn's system and has been rewarded early in his career for being a playmaker and oftentimes around the football. 

Voting is done here for the weekly award.