In a nail-biting conclusion, Detroit Lions rookie kicker Jake Bates clinched a stunning comeback victory against the Houston Texans with a 52-yard field goal as time ran out, finalizing the score at 26-23 during Sunday Night Football.
JAKE BATES HUGS IT INSIDE THE UPRIGHT
HOMETOWN HERO SEALS A 23-7 2ND HALF COMEBACK
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 11, 2024
In addition, just five minutes before the end of the game, Bates had already tied the game at 23-23 with an impressive 58-yard field goal, marking the third-longest in the franchise’s history.
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 25-year-old kicker, a native of Houston, left fans at NTG Stadium in shock as he emerged as an unlikely hero for the Lions. Bates joined the team in the offseason after kicker Michael Badgley suffered a season-ending injury on the first day of training camp.
Notably, Bates went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, primarily due to his limited experience kicking field goals in both college and high school.
He gained attention last season with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, where he made three field goals over 60 yards, including a standout 64-yard winner against 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
Bates has embraced his chance in the NFL, currently maintaining a flawless 14-for-14 kicking record, with two of those being game-winning kicks. Reflecting on his journey as an underdog, Bates noted that just a year and a half ago, he was selling bricks.
Jake Bates after his game-winning FG against the Vikings 💙 pic.twitter.com/acucO1SX8d
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 21, 2024
After achieving the latest game-winner in his hometown, Bates expressed his gratitude, attributing his achievements to divine guidance.
“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
Bates was celebrated as the player of the game, receiving a game ball from 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 Lions’ impressive late-game surge was supported by their defense, which helped recover from quarterback Jared Goff’s unprecedented five interceptions. At halftime, the Lions were down 23-7 but rallied to score 19 consecutive points in the second half.
With this victory, the Lions extend their winning streak to seven games, solidifying their position at the top of the NFC North with an 8-1 record.
Image Source: NFL @ YouTube
