MINNEAPOLIS — Jake Bates has transitioned from selling bricks to becoming a clutch kicker in the NFL.
On Sunday, he secured a 31-29 win for the Detroit Lions against the Minnesota Vikings by successfully converting a 44-yard field goal with just 15 seconds remaining in the game.
Bates remains perfect this season, hitting all 10 of his field goal attempts and converting 20 of 21 extra point tries.
The rookie joined the Lions in June following a standout season with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, where he notably made three field goals of over 60 yards during the spring league.

At 25 years old, Bates was honored as the Southeastern Conference Kicker of the Year in 2022, a season he spent with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
After not being selected in the NFL Draft, he briefly considered pursuing a different career, reflecting, “Eighteen months ago, I thought I was through with football. I was selling bricks back in Houston. I thought the dream was dead.”
However, a tryout with his hometown team, the Houston Texans, revived his hopes.
Although he participated in their training camp for 10 days, he was cut in August 2023.

Following this setback, Bates found an opportunity in the UFL, where he impressively converted 7 out of 11 field goals from 50+ yards while playing for the Panthers.
The Lions opted to bring him aboard to compete for the kicking position against Michael Badgley.
After Badgley suffered a season-ending injury on July 25, Bates was handed the job, quickly impressing head coach Dan Campbell.

Campbell spoke about his decision to attempt a field goal instead of aiming for a touchdown during the final drive, saying, “I just felt good about it. We’ve had five NFL games with him… and you watch as he continues to make these kicks.”
He added that Bates’ confidence has been steadily growing, and that he trusts the kicker to perform under pressure.

Faced with an electrifying atmosphere full of over 66,000 screaming fans at US Bank Stadium, Bates maintained his composure and split the uprights.
He commented on the experience, saying, “It was definitely the loudest environment I’ve ever kicked in. But at the end of the day, it’s doing the same job that I prayed for for so long and worked so hard for.”
Bates remained focused, reminding himself to stay calm while approaching the critical moment of the game.