From a salesman in Houston to an NFL game-changer, Jake Bates' path to the NFL was anything but ordinary.
Back in 2016, Jake Bates’ stat line at Tomball High School in Texas wasn’t typical for a future NFL player. He logged exactly 1,077 yards—not from rushing, passing, or receiving, and not even a mix of those. His entire record boiled down to seven games, 28 kickoffs covering that yardage, with six resulting in touchbacks.
There were no field goals or extra points. The Tomball team struggled, ending with a 2-8 record and going winless in district play.
Not exactly the beginnings of a pro legend.
But on Sunday, this 25-year-old former Central Arkansas soccer player, who had kicked off for Texas State and the University of Arkansas, found himself celebrated by his Detroit Lions teammates at NRG Stadium in Houston.
His 52-yard field goal in the final seconds clinched a thrilling 26-23 victory, sending Texans fans home disappointed.
Bates’ winning kick barely snuck inside the left upright, echoing his earlier 58-yarder that had also cut it close, slipping in just right of the upright. These clutch kicks secured Detroit’s improbable win, lifting them to an 8-1 record.
The Lions had fought back from a 23-7 halftime deficit, overcoming five turnovers—a comeback almost as unlikely as Bates’ path to the NFL.
Just nineteen months prior, Bates was working toward a career as a salesman in Houston with Acme Brick, thinking his NFL dreams were long behind him. But on Sunday night, he was celebrating his game-ending 52-yard field goal that erased a 16-point Lions deficit and sealed a 26-23 victory over the Texans.
“I just don’t deserve this,” Bates admitted, reflecting on his journey, which included a stint with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL last season.
“I was a soccer player growing up, I idolized football players in the NFL and all that stuff and just to be here is surreal. I’m still finding myself kind of pinching myself. I’m so grateful for all the doors that the Lord’s opened for me.”
Step by step, Bates clawed his way back into the game. His persistence paid off in the UFL, where he made a 64-yard game-winning field goal on March 30, 2024, against the St. Louis Battlehawks—the second-longest kick in pro football history. That performance earned him a spot on the 2024 All-UFL team.
The Lions signed him that same month, anticipating he would back up their 2023 starter, Michael Badgley, who suffered a season-ending hamstring injury.
Rather than warming the bench, Bates found himself stepping into the spotlight. He seized the starting role, kicking a 44-yard game-winner against the Minnesota Vikings on October 30, securing a 31-29 victory and earning the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
On Sunday, with a national TV audience watching, he raised the bar even higher. For the first time in history, a kicker was named Player of the Game by NBC’s Sunday Night Football team, with Mike Tirico confirming the unique recognition.
Lions coach Dan Campbell awarded Bates the game ball
“I put them a little too close to the post for comfort but luckily they went in,” Bates told NBC’s Melissa Stark right after the game.
Bates gave credit to his snapper, Hogan Hatten, and holder, Jack Fox, along with his faith, which he says has been his anchor through the highs and lows of his journey. “If anything I hope people can see Jesus through my story,” he shared.
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Image: © Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
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