Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates hadn’t kicked a field goal in a while, but he got the opportunity to change that during Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Battlehawks.
In a crucial moment, the Panthers turned to Bates to attempt a 64-yard field goal to win the game. Despite not having made a field goal since high school, Bates delivered when it mattered most.
With a practice try after a late timeout, he successfully kicked the ball twice, securing an 18-16 victory for the Panthers.
This remarkable performance has caught the attention of NFL teams, including the Lions, who have shown interest in Bates following his impressive field goal.
Bates, who previously played soccer at Central Arkansas and kicked off for Texas State, had brief stints with the Buccaneers and Texans. Now, his standout performance may open up new opportunities for him in the NFL.
