Key Points:
- Jake Bates, former Michigan Panthers kicker, makes Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster
- Bates kicked a 64-yard game-winning field goal in UFL Week 1
- He joins Jalen Redmond as the second UFL player to make an NFL roster this season
UFL Kicker Earns NFL Spot
Jake Bates, former kicker for the Michigan Panthers, has secured a place on the Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster. The Lions finalized their roster on Tuesday, choosing Bates as their starting kicker for the upcoming NFL season. Bates impressed during the preseason, converting six out of seven field goals with a long of 55 yards. He also successfully made three out of four extra point attempts.
UFL Performance Highlights
Bates made a significant impact during his time in the UFL. In Week 1 of the UFL season, he kicked a game-winning 64-yard field goal against the St. Louis Battlehawks, leading Michigan to an 18-16 victory. This kick stands as the second-longest field goal in professional football history. Bates finished the UFL regular season with 17 made field goals out of 22 attempts, achieving a 77% success rate.
All-UFL Team Recognition
The UFL recognized Bates’ exceptional performance by naming him to the All-UFL team. He earned this honor after hitting more 60-yard field goals than any other kicker in the league. Bates’ strong showing in the UFL played a crucial role in catching the attention of NFL teams, ultimately leading to his signing with the Detroit Lions.
College Career and UFL Success
Before joining the UFL, Bates had an interesting college career. He initially attended Texas State before transferring to Arkansas. At Arkansas, Bates never attempted a field goal but earned a spot on the First Team All-SEC in 2022 as a kickoff specialist. His success in the UFL came with the Michigan Panthers, who finished the season with a 7-3 regular-season record.
UFL to NFL Transition
Bates is not the only UFL player to make the jump to the NFL this season. He joins former Arlington Renegades defensive end Jalen Redmond as the second player from the UFL to secure a spot on an NFL roster. This trend highlights the UFL’s role as a potential pipeline for NFL talent, particularly in specialized positions like kicking.
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