Eighteen months ago, Jake Bates was a brick salesman. Today, he's the talk of the NFL thanks to his game-winning kick that propelled Detroit to the top of the division. Bates made a 52-yard field goal as time expired on Sunday, giving the Lions a 26-23 come-from-behind victory over Houston. Three weeks ago, he kicked a 44-yarder with 15 seconds left to help Detroit beat Minnesota 31-29. Both kicks came in road games at enemy territory, and local fans screamed at the top of their lungs hoping he wouldn't miss. But Bates was undaunted.
He made other big kicks, including an incredible 58-yarder to tie the game with five minutes left against Houston.
The Lions have the top record in the district with 8 wins and 1 loss.
Jake Bates walk-off. 😱
Let the Lions come back and win! #One Pride pic.twitter.com/bzrqbTR4tc
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 11, 2024
In both games, Bates told his story from brick salesman to NFL kicker and shared his Christian faith with a national audience.
“This shows how good the Lord is,” Bates said on NBC. “He's so faithful. My story, if anything, I hope that through my story people will understand Jesus. That's why I'm here, make it or miss it. , it's not about being a good kicker or a bad kicker, it's about spreading the love of Jesus, so I hope I can do that on the stage I'm given. ”
Bates played college football at Texas State and Arkansas, but went undrafted in 2023 and was unable to make an NFL roster. He signed with the Lions this summer.
A year and a half ago, he was working at Acme Brick in Houston.
“So 18 months ago, I thought I was done with football,” he told the news media after the win over Minnesota. “I was working as a brick salesman in Houston. I thought the dream was over. I also look back and realize how good the Lord has been in my life to bring me here. It reminds me of the doors that the Lord opened and closed for me, and that this coaching staff, this front office, and these teammates have put me in this great situation.”
He quoted a Bible verse before the win against Minnesota.
“It was definitely loud, the loudest environment I've ever been in,” he said of Minnesota. “…I told myself to calm down. [and was] I am reciting my favorite Bible verses. Hebrews 12:1it helps me keep calm too.
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so many witnesses, let us throw away all obstacles and sins that easily entangle us, and let us persevere through the race set out for us. Sho.”
He also thanked snapper Hogan Hatten and holder Jack Fox, two key pieces to the game's winners.
“They're both incredible at what they do.”
After kicking a game-winning field goal, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates publicly gives all the glory to Jesus on live TV.
Bold, courageous, and unashamed. This is a great example for us Christians living in America. 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/g5b5bxOMTV
— Heidi St. John (@heidistjohn) November 11, 2024
Photo provided by: ©Instagram/detroit lions nfl
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
