Jake Bates: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp gave some very high praise to Lions kicker Jake Bates in an excellent article over at The Athletic. Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is coming off one of the best debut seasons ever for an NFL kicker.

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / July 17

Lions Believe Kicker Can Be 'One of the Best' Who Ever Played

Detroit Lions special teams coach Dave Fipp is quite enamored with the team's place kicker. Jake Bates, who went from a soccer player to a brick salesman, eventually worked his way to the Lions' roster after excelling in the United Football League.

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / July 13

All-NFC North Team: Lions' Kicker Impresses in First NFL Season

The Detroit Lions found a much-needed answer at the kicker position last year, and the team benefitted greatly. Jake Bates gave the team a reliable and consistent option, and hit several big kicks for the Lions throughout the 2024 season.

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Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / June 29

What Jake Bates Learned From Jason Hanson at Rocket Classic

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had an opportunity to play alongside Jason Hanson during a Pro-Am at the 2025 Rocket Classic. Also playing in the group were Lions specialists Jack Fox and Hogan Hatton.

NFL analyst says the Michigan Panthers have the next Jake Bates, and we think the Lions should be interested

Last spring, this kid named Jake Bates lined up for a 64-yard field goal for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL and then kicked it right through the goal posts, and everything changed for him overnight. Not long after that, the Detroit Lions signed Bates, and he had a big-time rookie year and showed that he was for real.

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / May 25

Lions' Jake Bates Faces Big Test in 2025 With Seven Outdoor Games

The Detroit Lions found a gem in former UFL kicker Jake Bates. After not attempting a field goal in college and returning home to sell bricks in Texas, Bates found his way to the UFL's Michigan Panthers and became a sensation after drilling several long kicks.

The Michigan Panthers player the Lions should invite to camp for a chance to be the next Jake Bates

Best UFL players for the Detroit Lions after Week 1 of the 2025 season, including Michigan Panthers DB

Around this time last year, Detroit Lions fans found themselves glued to the TV to watch a kid from the UFL captivate the football world. That kid, of course, was Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates.

Detroit Lions News / A to Z Sports / January 28

The Lions are keeping their eyes out and meeting with potential competition for Jake Bates

Easily one of the Detroit Lions' best stories of 2024. This kid who never really got a chance in the NFL and hadn't kicked a field goal since high school

NFL News / Arkansas Razorbacks on SI / January 12

Seven Former Razorbacks Have Qualified for NFL Playoffs

Jake Bates is resting his valuable right leg this weekend as the NFL playoffs begin with a slate of six games. Bates is one of seven former Arkansas Razorbacks whose teams qualified for the post-season tournament that includes 14 teams.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / January 10

Jake Bates reveals moment that turned around his record-setting season

When Michael Badgley went down early in training camp with a hamstring injury, Jake Bates became the only kicker on the Detroit Lions' roster. An up-and-down run in camp invited the idea competition should be added, but the coaching staff stuck with him knowing there would be ups and downs.

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / January 9

Jake Bates Has Visions of Glory Ahead of NFL Playoffs

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates does not want to make any moments bigger than they what actually are. Staying grounded and focused on the present has been a beneficial mindset for the former UFL kicker.

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / December 31

Jake Bates Becomes Internet Sensation For Sensual Stretching

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates became an internet sensation during Monday Night Football. Bates emerged onto the scene prior to the 2024 season when he was able to successfully make a 64-yard game-winner for the Michigan Panthers.

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Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / December 30

Kicker Jake Bates Made Lions History During 'Monday Night Football'

The Detroit Lions went into halftime trailing the San Francisco 49ers, 21-13. However, Dan Campbell's team came out firing on all cylinders. The Lions scored a touchdown via a Sam LaPorta reception and converted the two-point conversion to tie it at 21. Then, Jake Bates hit a 57-yard field goal, followed by an Amon-Ra St.

NFL News / Athlon Sports / December 6

Detroit Lions Kicker Jake Bates Shares Heartfelt Message After Big Win vs. Green Bay Packers

The Detroit Lions won their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers in familiar fashion as kicker Jake Bates, the former brick salesman from the Houston, Texas area, strode onto the field and kicked an eventual game-winning field goal through the uprights at Ford Field.

Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / December 5

Jake Bates delivers on another game-winning kick as Lions top Packers, 34-31

The Detroit Lions have officially clinched a playoff spot as they needed a last-second field goal to defeat the Green Bay Packers 34-31 in a "Thursday Night Football" game at Ford Field in Week 14.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / December 5

Lions kicker Jake Bates wins NFC Special Teams Player of the Month

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates missed his first field goal of the season in Week 13, but it did not diminish what he did over the entire month. On Thursday, he was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.

Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / November 13

Lions' Jake Bates named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been named Week 10's NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Bates was clutch in the fourth quarter during Detroit's

Detroit Lions News / NFL on ClutchPoints / November 11

Video shows Lions’ fans silencing plane’s flight attendant during Jake Bates’ game-winning kick

Detroit Lions fans unite! During the critical seconds before Jake Bates’ game-winning field goal attempt against the Houston Texans on Sunday night, a plane full of Lions fans is locked into the game.

NFL News / Yardbarker / November 11

'SNF' takeaways: Lions rally to beat Texans despite Jared Goff's five picks

Despite five interceptions from quarterback Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to knock off the Houston Texans 26-23 on "Sunday Night Football."

Watch: Lions kicker Jake Bates makes two 50-yard FGs in wild comeback win over Texans

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Detroit Lions News / Field Level Media / November 11

Jake Bates hits winning FG as Lions rally past Texans

Jake Bates kicked a 52-yard field goal just inside the left upright as time expired and the Detroit Lions overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to record a 26-23 victory over the host Houston Texans on Sunday night.

NFL News / Yardbarker / November 10

Watch: Jake Bates squeaks two field goals in win vs. Texans

Watch: Lions kicker Jake Bates makes two 50-yard field goals in wild comeback win over Texans

Detroit escaped "Sunday Night Football" with an improbable 26-23 win on a walk-off field goal from kicker Jake Bates.

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Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / October 21

Game-winner is sure to give Lions kicker Jake Bates valuable confidence

The Detroit Lions pulled out a last-minute win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday thanks to the efforts of their offense. But it would not have happened without Jake Bates.

Detroit Lions News / Yardbarker / October 20

Watch: Lions kicker Jake Bates nails game-winner vs. Vikings

Watch: Lions kicker Jake Bates nails winning 44-yard field goal vs. Vikings

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates played hero against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

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Detroit Lions News / A to Z Sports / August 22

Jake Bates has the job, but the Lions could still reunite with former kicker

The Detroit Lions have their kicker in Jake Bates, After a rough start to camp, Bates has come along and played really well in both preseason games. The highlight was the big 43-yard walk off game winner against the Chiefs last Saturday.

NFL News / Pro Football Rumors / June 14, 2024

Lions expected to sign UFL kicker

He previously received interest from a few NFL teams, but because of his contract with the UFL squad, he was unable to sign with anyone until the team’s season came to an end.

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