It’s fairly common to come across an athlete’s post on social media with the caption “blessed,” likely referencing their successful career or family and friends, but it’s fairly rare that the term is meant so literally.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta posted photos this week of receiving a blessing by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, alongside his new wife Callahan. The pair posted photos of their beautiful wedding June 14, including an image of the two with their heads bowed before the new pope.
“Thank you to a very busy man for blessing me and my bride,” he wrote. “A special moment we’ll never forget.”
Chosen as the new pope this past May, Pope Leo is a native of Chicago (LaPorta hails from Highland), and he’s made several headlines for wearing a White Sox hat at the Vatican.
Could this be LaPorta’s best season yet? I *believe* so. ;-) Congrats to the happy couple!
And onto the rest of your notes.
The latest in the Lions’ get-to-know-the-rookies series:
Peep Jack Fox and Jake Bates on the list, too!
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders headline Detroit’s Rocket Classic pro-am celebrity list Wednesday pic.twitter.com/9CwnDhARf3
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) June 23, 2025
Former Lion Ndamukong Suh launched his new show “No Free Lunch” for The Athletic, which is described as a discussion with “the sharpest minds across the world of sports, investing, and entrepreneurship to discuss their personal success journeys and explore the latest business and finance ideas.” Sounds cool!
Some Lions-related posts on social media I thought you might like: