How a brick salesman became an NFL star with a record-breaking kick
In short: In 2023, Jake Bates was selling bricks in Houston after being released from an NFL training camp. Fast forward to 2024, and he was making history with a 64-yard field goal, the longest in UFL history, ultimately securing a spot on the Detroit Lions roster.
Jake Bates' journey to professional football was anything but linear. After a collegiate career split between soccer at Central Arkansas and football at Texas State and Arkansas, Bates faced a professional setback. Following being released by the Houston Texans in August 2023, he briefly stepped away from the sport to work as a brick salesman in the Houston area.
His career trajectory shifted dramatically when he signed with the Michigan Panthers of the UFL on December 25, 2023. The league's decision to adopt a new kickoff rule—requiring the ball to travel 80 yards for a touchback—made specialist abilities highly valuable. Bates proved this utility on March 30, 2024, by hitting a 64-yard game-winning field goal against the St. Louis Battlehawks. This kick, the longest in the history of the UFL and its predecessor leagues, surpassed Donny Hageman's previous record by five yards.
The momentum from his UFL success carried him into the NFL. Bates joined the Detroit Lions via a two-year deal on June 18, 2024, standing as one of just two UFL athletes to secure an NFL 53-man roster spot from 77 preseason players. During his tenure with the Lions, he has broken franchise records, including the single-season points scored record in a 2024 game against the San Francisco 49ers, surpassing Jason Hanson's 2012 mark of 134 points.
Bates' impact has been defined by high-pressure accuracy. In Week 7 of the 2024 season, his 44-yard game-winner against the Minnesota Vikings earned him NFC special teams Player of the Week honors. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a vital component of the Lions' roster, leading to a contract re-signing on March 25, 2026.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jake Bates
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