With no time left on the clock, Detroit Lions rookie kicker Jake Bates nailed a 52-yard field goal to complete the 26-23 comeback victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.
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JAKE BATES HUGS IT INSIDE THE UPRIGHT
HOMETOWN HERO SEALS A 23-7 2ND HALF COMEBACK
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 11, 2024
To note, with five minutes left Bates also nailed a 58-yarder (3rd longest in franchise history) to tie 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 Houston-native kicker, who stunned the crowd at NTG Stadium, has been an unsung hero for the Lions.
For those who don't know, 25-year-old Bates signed with the team during the offseason after kicker Michael Badgley suffered a season-ending injury on the first day of training camp.
To point out, Bates went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft as he hadn't had any in-game field goal kicking experience throughout high school and college.
As some might know, Bates became well known after getting a chance to play for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL last year. That is to say, he impressed many by making three 60+ yard field goals.
And one of the most memorable moments included a 64-yard game-winning field goal vs. 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
Now Bates has made the most of his opportunity in the NFL, as he is currently 14-for-14 and already has two game-winning field goals.
To emphasize the underdog storyline, after his Week 7 game-winner vs. the Minnesota Vikings Bates revealed he had been working as a brick salesman just 18 months ago.
Jake Bates after his game-winning FG against the Vikings 💙 pic.twitter.com/acucO1SX8d
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 21, 2024
Coming off of making the most recent game-winner in his hometown, Bates credited his success to the Man Above.
“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
Being the player of the game, Bates was given the game ball by 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 late-game heroics were made possible by the Lions' defense, as they were able to overcome quarterback Jared Goff throwing a career-high five interceptions.
At halftime, the Lions were trailing 23-7, but they were able to rally in the second half and score 19 unanswered points.
The Lions now extend their win streak to seven, as they currently lead the NFC North with a 8-1 record.
