Jake Bates reflects on his career-long 59-yarder in clutch Week 12 win

If there’s ever been an underrated position in the NFL, it would be the kicker. Until recent years, the kickers often fell into the background, stepping out only to attempt an extra point or a field goal. Minimal points earned, minimal playing time. But over the past several years, the ‘forgotten’ group is being recognized for their immense skill, powerful legs, and on occasion, putting game-winning points on the board. When a team is facing these one or three point games, it often comes down to that one person. The kicker. And it’s up to the rest of the offense to land them in a decent spot on the field to make it through the goal posts.

In yesterday’s Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants, Lions’ kicker, Jake Bates, found himself facing his toughest challenge yet: a 59 yard field goal, the longest of his NFL career. Considering he was able to bank a 64 yarder during his time with the UFL Michigan Panthers, Dan Campbell was confident in his ability…and he was right. With 28 seconds left on the clock, Bates stepped out with intentions to tie the score, which he did, and then some. Not only did he drive the game into OT, he also broke his NFL record for longest field goal, tying the franchise record with Matt Prater’s from 2016. This brought Bates to successfully attempting four field goals at 58+ yards, again, tying with Prater for the most in Lions’ history. But Bates didn’t even realize he was even attempting to break his own record at first. “I didn’t really know where I was at until I was lining up on the field.” He noted that preparation is key and he doesn’t let it change anything. “You let it change a lot, you’re probably going to miss. So, just try to hit every ball the same.” Needless to say, he delivered when the pressure was heating up.

“To have to go out there and ensure that we’re able to get this to overtime, that’s a big kick, man,” Campbell mentioned in the post-game press conference. “And it took a lot of our guys making big-time plays in critical moments.” The offense delivered, put Bates in a reasonable spot, and he nailed it. “That’s what wins in this league,” Campbell adds. Not only did their powerhouse kicker lead the game into a much needed overtime, he also scored the game winning extra point. “Bates finished it out for us.”

With a glowing review from his head coach, how does Jake Bates feel? “I was just happy to be able to do my job,” he mentioned. “The offense put us in a position to at least swing at it so from that point, it’s my job to put through the uprights.” He goes on to share that he just wants to be somebody that the team can count on, adding that Detroit has many people on the team they can count on when times get tough. Of course, someone as humble as Bates wasn’t going to take all of the credit for the win, offering praise to the rest of the Lions as well. “It was a great snap, great hold as always. The line did an unbelievable job blocking all day.” Detroit often comes together to collectively get the job done and the win against the Giants was no different.

He has learned to not be so superstitious (but mentioned he’s a little stitious, a reference to The Office.) and to focus on his routine. Bates doesn’t let his mind get the best of him and has learned “not making the bigger moment bigger than it needs to be,” so he can remain calm. He takes pride in his faith and feels “this is something I get to do, I don’t have to do, and I’m happy to do it.”

After a little reflection on how he’s changed over the past year, Bates is focused on gratitude. “I know it’s not a right to be here. And so, hopefully that always stays that way where I’m just super thankful to be here.” He goes on to add, “whether that be for one more day or 20 more years, I’m just going to live it to the fullest and hopefully show gratitude in every moment.”

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Jake Bates reflects on his career-long 59-yarder in clutch Week 12 win