Hold onto your hats, NFL fans. Detroit’s newest hero just kicked his way into the history books, and he’s got the Lions roaring! Jake Bates isn’t your typical kicker; he turned a nerve-wracking game into pure genius.
If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. This fourth-quarter comeback is straight-up football folklore. The Detroit Lions’ win? All thanks to one man’s ice-cold nerves and a pair of trusty cleats.
Jake Bates: From Brick Salesman to NFL Hero
In a game that’ll go down in NFL lore, Bates became the literal hometown hero by booting Detroit to a 26-23 victory over Houston. With just minutes remaining, the 25-year-old hit clutch kicks like there was no tomorrow, leading the Lions to their seventh straight win.
In the final five minutes, the Arkansas Razorbacks product was called upon twice. First, with the game tied and the clock ticking down, he nailed a 58-yard field goal that barely avoided the right post.
Then, with seconds left in regulation, Bates stepped up again. From 52 yards out, he coolly split the uprights for the game-winning kick, once again narrowly avoiding the posts and sending the Lions to an 8-1 record.
Bates’ ice-cold composure under pressure made all the difference. But the story gets even crazier.
Not long ago, the Lions’ placekicker was considering retiring from football and selling bricks. Fast forward to today, and he’s the reason Detroit has one of the best records in the NFC.
Overcoming five interceptions from Jared Goff, Bates’ clutch kicks were the backbone of this comeback victory.
Fans were in full support. “JAKE BATES FOR MVP,” one fan declared.
JAKE BATES FOR MVP pic.twitter.com/v8IuRUvfKx
— 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕚𝕥 (@Devoted2DET) November 11, 2024
“The Jake Bates story needs to be told. Small town boy, nfl kicker has the night of his life on Sunday Night football is still dating his junior high school sweetheart, is in the NFL against all odds, out kicked legend Ka’imi Fairbairn in his own house,” another user quipped.
The Jake Bates story needs to be told. Small town boy, nfl kicker has the night of his life on Sunday Night football is still dating his junior high school sweetheart, is in the NFL against all odds, out kicked legend Ka'imi Fairbairn in his own house. @Lions pic.twitter.com/ss4GdoJkvF
— Abearica (@abearicaonline) November 11, 2024
“jake bates made a career high 58 yard fg as well as hitting the game winning fg in his hometown and both kicks almost scratched the posts. this script was special,” a third pointed out.
jake bates made a career high 58 yard fg as well as hitting the game winning fg in his hometown and both kicks almost scratched the posts. this script was special https://t.co/UrMorHtvfR
— dope 🫨 (@dopeisalive) November 11, 2024
NFL fans were extremely pleased with Bates’ story, with others commenting:
“Jake Bates, Houston native, with the two critical kicks to deliver a seemingly impossible victory. He was working as a brick salesman in this town 18 months ago. He’s now 14-for-14 on field goals to begin his career w two game-winners. What a story,” praised one fan.
“Talk about a hometown hero moment! 🙌 Jake Bates with the clutch game-winner—what a season for the Lions! 🦁💪,” another user wrote.
“Oh Jake Bates is incredible what a cool story of him getting two clutch field goals in his hometown,” alluded one fan.
Jake Bates’ journey has been a crazy ride, but with game-winners like these, his dream is alive and well.
Bates Thought His Football Dream Was Over
Just 18 months ago, Bates thought his football dream was finished.
“I was selling bricks back in Houston. I thought the dream was dead,” he asserted. But fate had other plans. After a short stint with the Houston Texans and a standout season in the UFL with the Michigan Panthers, Bates got his shot with the Lions.
In Week 7, the star placekicker sealed a 31-29 victory over the Minnesota Vikings with a clutch 44-yard field goal, nailing it with just 15 seconds left. The Lions are now 8-1, and Bates has converted 10 out of 10 field goals this season. His ability to thrive under pressure earned him the full trust of his teammates and head coach Dan Campbell, who noted, “His confidence is growing, and he just goes out there, and it’s the next kick.”
From bricks to kicks, Bates’ story is proof that dreams don’t always follow a straight path. But with resilience and belief, they can come true.