In a thrilling finish, Detroit Lions rookie kicker Jake Bates successfully converted a 52-yard field goal as time expired, securing a 26-23 comeback win against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.
JAKE BATES HUGS IT INSIDE THE UPRIGHT
HOMETOWN HERO SEALS A 23-7 2ND HALF COMEBACK
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 11, 2024
Additionally, with just five minutes remaining in the game, Bates had already hit a remarkable 58-yard field goal, which ranks as the third-longest in franchise history, tying the game at 23-23.
Jake Bates from 58! Houston, we have a tie game.
📺: #DETvsHOU on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/mixXstfhmm— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2024
The kicker, hailing from Houston, left fans at NTG Stadium in disbelief, emerging as a quiet hero for the Lions. At 25, Bates joined the team in the offseason following kicker Michael Badgley’s season-ending injury on training camp’s first day.
Notably, Bates went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft due to a lack of collegiate and high school field goal kicking experience.
He gained recognition last season while playing for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, where he made three field goals over 60 yards, including a standout 64-yard winner against the St. Louis Battlehawks at Ford Field.
Jake Bates buried a 58 and 52 yard game winner in his hometown tonight to deliver the Lions a victory
Far from his 1st or longest game winning kick though, he hit an unbelievable 64 yarder with the @USFLPanthers earlier this year #DETvsHOU pic.twitter.com/uuUbLCNqcZ
— Jackson Durham NFL (@Research_Passer) November 11, 2024
It’s been reported repeatedly that Jake Bates’ last made field goal was in high school. But that’s not true.
He actually *never* made a field goal in high school.
His 64-yarder to win it for the Michigan Panthers was his first ever made FG in an actual game.
That’s bananas.
— Tony Paul | Detroit News (@TonyPaul1984) April 1, 2024
Bates has embraced his opportunity in the NFL, currently boasting a perfect 14-for-14 kicking record, with two of those kicks being game-winners. Reflecting his underdog journey, Bates shared that just 18 months ago, he worked as a brick salesman.
Jake Bates after his game-winning FG against the Vikings 💙 pic.twitter.com/acucO1SX8d
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 21, 2024
After hitting the latest game-winner in his hometown, Bates expressed gratitude by attributing his success to divine influence.
“If anything, I hope people see Jesus through my story. That what I think I’m here to do…spread the love of Jesus”
– #Lions K Jake Bates after hitting the game-winning FG vs Houston pic.twitter.com/llHfHtcICg— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) November 11, 2024
Recognized as the player of the game, Bates received a game ball from head coach Dan Campbell.
Dan Campbell gave Jake Bates a game ball inside the Lions locker room in Houston pic.twitter.com/OOKiUjPqGV
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 11, 2024
The Lions’ impressive late-game performance was bolstered by their defense, managing to recover from quarterback Jared Goff’s unprecedented five interceptions. At halftime, the team found itself trailing 23-7 but rallied to score 19 unanswered points in the second half.
With this victory, the Lions extend their winning streak to seven games, placing them at the top of the NFC North with an 8-1 record.
Image Source: NFL @ YouTube
