Jake Bates’ rise from an unheralded signing to turning into a vital piece of an NFL roster speaks to the ability of seizing alternatives after they come up.
Earlier than Bates was nailing kicks for the Detroit Lions, he was making his mark within the United Soccer League with the Michigan Panthers.
His capability to attach on clutch kicks from lengthy distances caught the eye of scouts and set the stage for his NFL breakthrough.
Now, the Panthers are getting ready to honor their former kicker in a particular manner that celebrates his unimaginable journey.
“Jake Bates bobblehead day. The Michigan Panthers are giving them to the primary 2,000 followers on the sport on Could 31,” Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit wrote on X.
Jake Bates bobblehead day
The Michigan Panthers are giving them to the primary 2,000 followers on the sport on Could 31 pic.twitter.com/BphGUuRucM
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) Could 22, 2025
Experiences counsel Bates may even attend the upcoming UFL sport, which might be an ideal full-circle second given his dominance within the league throughout its 2024 season.
He related on 17 of twenty-two area aim makes an attempt, together with an ideal 7-for-7 efficiency from 40-49 yards and 6 profitable kicks from past 50 yards.
The Lions, having watched Brandon Aubrey’s success after his USFL stint, acknowledged the worth in various expertise.
They secured Bates with a two-year contract, benefiting from the truth that he was already accustomed to Ford Discipline by means of his time with the Panthers.
This bobblehead giveaway serves as a becoming tribute from the UFL group, acknowledging how Bates elevated the franchise throughout his time there.
It instantly opened the door to his NFL alternative, the place he continued his dependable work by making 26 of 29 area targets and 64 of 67 further level makes an attempt for the Lions final season.
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