Jake Bates: From Brick Salesman to Detroit Lions Hero
The NFL is filled with stories of perseverance, but few are as remarkable as Jake Bates’s journey. This young kicker for the Detroit Lions went from selling bricks in Houston to becoming the hero in their Week 10 victory over the Texans. With a 52-yard field goal in the final seconds, Bates not only clinched the win for the Lions but also added a Hollywood-worthy chapter to his life and his team’s season.
Bates’s path to the NFL was anything but easy. Just a year and a half ago, he was working as a brick salesman, with his football dreams seeming more distant than ever. Yet, his unshakeable faith and determination pushed him to keep going. “I think it shows how good the Lord is; He’s so faithful. My story, if anything, I hope people can see Jesus through it,” Bates said after the game. For him, the journey has been a testament to his faith.
Signed by the Lions in June after an impressive season in the UFL, Bates quickly proved he could handle the pressure. His 50-plus-yard kicks earned him a spot on the team and made him a critical asset. The confidence wasn’t just his own; his teammates believed in him, too, as he consistently nailed long-distance kicks in practice.
In the game against Houston, the Lions faced several setbacks, including a rough game for quarterback Jared Goff, who threw five interceptions. Still, Detroit’s defense and Bates’s field goals kept them in the fight. “I adjusted it close to the post for comfort, and thankfully, it went through; I have so much faith in our line’s protection,” Bates said about his decisive 52-yard kick.
The win marked the Lions' eighth victory of the season and one of the most memorable for their fans. Decked out in blue, Detroit fans celebrated as if they were at home, silencing Houston’s crowd. This comeback highlighted the Lions' evolution under coach Dan Campbell, who has transformed the team into serious contenders.
For Bates, the moment felt surreal. “I don’t feel like I deserve this,” the kicker admitted, still processing his rapid rise. With nerves of steel and a guiding faith, Bates has become an inspiring figure, proving that dreams, however distant they may seem, can come true with hard work, determination, and a bit of faith.
