Lions TE Sam LaPorta breaks the internet with a near-impossible catch against the quarterback

The NFC Divisional Round clash Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders was unforgettable, and Sam LaPorta provided one of the most attractive highlights. The rookie tight end made an incredible one-handed touchdown in the second quarter to help the Lions regain the lead during an electrifying first half.

With 7:44 left in the second quarter and the Lions trailing 10-7, quarterback Jared Goff found LaPorta in the back of the end zone. Despite the tight coverage, LaPorta reached out and hauled in a 2-yard pass with one hand, completing a play that left fans and analysts in awe. It was LaPorte’s first career one-handed catch and first in the playoffs since Dallas Goedert’s similar catch for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 Divisional Round.

The Commander’s defense focused its attention on Lions offense Dan Skipper, who established himself as a qualified receiver on the play. That decision left LaPorte with plenty of room to pull off his spectacular grab. The touchdown pushed Detroit ahead 14-10, giving them much-needed momentum in a back-and-forth contest.

Fans couldn’t stop raving about the catch on social media, with many calling it the highlight of the postseason so far.

“They really doubled down on Skipper’s Day,” said PrizePicks on X.

“Goff just made the same throw that everybody was icing Mahomes for,” he said @CGBBURNER

“There is no doubt that it is the biggest catch of the year.” @MadisonMallards

Sam LaPorta shines in Lions loss

LaPorta’s catch wasn’t just aesthetically impressive — it also underscored his growing importance to the Lions’ offense. Throughout his rookie season, tight end has been a reliable target for Goff, and his ability to deliver in high-pressure playoff situations bodes well for Detroit’s future.

The Lions offense showed its explosiveness earlier in the game. Running back Jahmir Gibbs, the NFL’s regular-season leading rusher, opened the scoring with a goal-line rush in the first quarter. Gibbs added to his growing legacy by attaching himself to second-highest touchdowns (35) in a player’s first two seasons, including the playoffs, according to ESPN Research. His four career postseason touchdowns and 21 total touchdowns this season are now franchise records.

Detroit’s big plays continued with Jameson Williams’ 61-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. After Goff left the game briefly for a concussion evaluation, backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater stepped in and orchestrated a dynamic play, and Williams sprinted into the end zone untouched. The result was the fifth-longest playoff touchdown drive in Lions history.

Despite these heroic efforts, the Lions eventually fell to the Commanders in a high-scoring affair. Still, LaPorta’s gravity-defying catch is one of the game’s most memorable moments, cementing his status as one of the Lions’ brightest young stars.

Although the Lions’ season ended earlier than expected, moments like LaPorta’s catch will be remembered as proof that the team is ready to compete for years to come.