The Kick That Changed Everything

On March 30, 2024, a text message buzzed on Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp's phone: "Hey man, did you see that kick?" The kick in question wasn’t just any ordinary field goal—it was a historic 64-yard game-winner by Jake Bates in the UFL season opener. This moment would catapult Bates from obscurity to the NFL spotlight.

Humble Beginnings: From Salesman to Star

Just months before that legendary kick, Bates was working as a brick salesman for Acme Brick Co. in Houston. After going undrafted in 2023 and being cut by the Houston Texans, he had all but given up on his NFL dreams.

"We were excited to interview him," recalled David Sterne, Bates’ former manager. "He was delivering samples, learning the ropes, and then—boom—he got the call."

That call came from agent Marty Magid, offering Bates a chance with the Michigan Panthers in the newly formed UFL. Bates jumped at the opportunity, trading brick samples for field goals.

A Meteoric Rise in the UFL

Bates didn’t just join the UFL—he dominated it. His Week 1 heroics against the St. Louis Battlehawks put the league on the map and earned him All-UFL honors. By June 2024, the Detroit Lions signed him to a two-year, $1.98 million deal.

Clutch Performances Define His NFL Rookie Year

Bates' transition to the NFL was seamless. He set a Lions franchise record with 142 points in his debut season, tying Jason Hanson’s 1997 mark for the best field goal percentage (89.7%) in team history. His clutch gene shone brightest in critical moments:

• A 44-yard game-winner against Minnesota in Week 7.
• A 38-yard walk-off to beat Green Bay in Week 14.
• A 58-yard miracle to force overtime in Houston, followed by a 52-yard dagger to win it.

"He’s unshakable," quarterback Jared Goff said. "You want that calm, confident energy in your kicker."

The Legacy of an Underdog

Bates’ journey—from stocking shelves to kicking game-winning field goals—has drawn comparisons to Kurt Warner’s rags-to-riches story. His former coworkers at Acme Brick cheer him on, knowing they played a small part in his rise.

"It was like straight out of a movie," Sterne said. "If the NFL doesn’t work out, he’ll always have a job here."

For Bates, the UFL was more than a stepping stone—it was redemption. "That league gave me a stage," he said. "Without it, I wouldn’t be here."