ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Jake Bates, standing on the field in his native Houston, reflected on his remarkable transformation from learning the brick-selling business to clinching games for the Detroit Lions with clutch field goals. After securing a thrilling win against the Texans with a 52-yard kick as the clock ran out, Bates took the opportunity during a prime-time NBC interview to express his faith in Jesus.
Bates emphasized the importance of sharing his Christian beliefs, stating, “This doesn’t happen without Jesus. Living doesn’t happen without Jesus dying on the cross. He put us on a stage to glorify his name.” His sentiments resonate within the NFL, where many players and coaches openly discuss their spiritual beliefs.
Prominent figures like quarterbacks C.J. Stroud of Houston, Kirk Cousins of Atlanta, and Lamar Jackson of Baltimore, along with Ravens coach John Harbaugh, are among those who articulate their Christian faith in public forums. Stroud, in particular, has notably inspired Bates by consistently acknowledging Jesus during media interactions. Bates remarked, “What he’s been able to do in the media and spreading Jesus’ love has been awesome to see.”
During a recent postgame news conference, Harbaugh took a moment to remind everyone about the approaching Christmas holiday and shared a prayer from the Ravens’ locker room. “It’s a big football week, all right? It’s also a big life week. It’s a big spiritual week,” Harbaugh stated.
Cousins has long been open about his faith, dating back to his days at Michigan State and continuing as he played for teams including Washington, Minnesota, and now Atlanta. “We all have a platform. We all try to steward it the best we can. I just want to be able to give a reason to people who ask for the hope that I have,” Cousins expressed.
While Christianity predominates the NFL, players from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim athletes, have also used their visibility to share their faith. A noteworthy example is Jake Retzlaff, who made headlines as the first Jewish quarterback at Brigham Young University, embracing his role as an ambassador for Judaism within football.
Bates’ career journey is one of the most compelling narratives in NFL history. He was raised approximately 30 miles northwest of Houston in Tomball, Texas, where he initially played soccer at Central Arkansas before transitioning to football and making multiple transfers. He served as a kickoff specialist for two seasons at Texas State and another at Arkansas, where he earned All-SEC recognition in 2022.
After being signed by the hometown Texans on August 1, 2023, Bates faced disappointment when he was waived just 11 days later, prompting him to pivot back into the brick business. “I was still in training, so I hadn’t even sold new bricks yet,” he recounted. Nevertheless, Bates refused to abandon his football aspirations and attended an XFL showcase in the fall of 2023, which he regarded as “my last shot.”
Bates impressed enough to land a contract with the Michigan Panthers, where he successfully kicked three field goals from over 60 yards. This was all in the same stadium where the Lions play. He attributes his success to what he considers divine intervention, having capitalized on the chance to deliver game-winning kicks against rivals like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, as well as the Texans. In recognition of his performance, he received the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honor in November.
While playing football is his profession, Bates views his true purpose as more significant than that. “I’m not here to make kicks or miss kicks. I think I’m here to spread the love of Jesus. So, however long he gives me this stage, that’s what I plan to do,” he concluded.
