Detroit Lions’ kicker Jake Bates has been in the spotlight this season, and he’s using his newfound fame to speak about something incredibly important to him: his faith.
“It just shows how good the Lord is,” Bates said in a post-game interview on NBC. “He’s so faithful. My story is, if anything, I just hope people can see Jesus through my story. That’s what I think I’m here to do; not make or miss or be a good kicker or a bad kicker, but spread the love of Jesus. So hopefully, I’m able to do that on the stage I’m given.”
Just 18 months ago, Bates was selling bricks in Houston, but now he’s the NFL’s newest standout. Bates has propelled the Lions to a division-leading 8-1 record with a pair of clutch field goals, including a dramatic 52-yarder as time expired to beat Houston 26-23 on Sunday.
Bates often credits his journey entirely to God’s guidance.
“I thought I was done with football,” he said. “I was working as a brick salesman in Houston. I thought the dream was dead. It also makes me look back and think of how good the Lord’s been in my life and the doors He’s opened and closed for me to lead me here, and to lead me in such a great situation with this coaching staff and this front office and these teammates.”
Bates, who went undrafted after playing college football at Texas State and Arkansas, only signed with Detroit this summer. In his debut season, he’s already delivered two game-winners in tough road games, remaining calm in moments that could rattle seasoned pros. Before kicking a 44-yard game-winner against Minnesota, Bates said he turned to his favorite Bible verse to find peace.
“I told myself to stay calm, reciting Hebrews 12:1, which helps me stay calm as well.”
After kicking the game-winning field goal, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates publicly gives all of the glory to Jesus on live TV!
Bold, courageous and unashamed. This is a great example for the rest of us Christians in America. 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/g5b5bxOMTV
— Heidi St. John (@heidistjohn) November 11, 2024
