Jake Bates, renowned for his UFL-record 64-yard field goal, has joined the Detroit Lions on a multi-year contract. The signing of Bates, a standout kicker from the United Football League (UFL), was officially announced by his agent Marty Magid, who shared the news with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.

Jake Bates, at 24 years old, entered the professional football arena with the Houston Texans, signing on July 31, 2023, following the 2023 NFL Draft where he went undrafted. His stint with the Texans was short-lived, however, as he was released just 12 days later on August 12, 2023. Bates’ career trajectory changed significantly when he joined the Michigan Panthers of the UFL in December 2023. He quickly made headlines by setting a UFL record with a remarkable 64-yard game-winning field goal during the 2024 season opener against the St. Louis Battlehawks. This impressive kick fell just two yards short of Justin Tucker’s NFL record of 66 yards.
Before embarking on his professional career, Jake Bates made a transition from high school soccer to football. Initially serving as a kickoff specialist at Texas State from 2020 to 2021, Bates later transferred to Arkansas in 2022. In his lone season at Arkansas, Bates demonstrated his prowess, averaging an impressive 64.5 yards per kick, solidifying his reputation as a standout kicker.
In the 2024 UFL season, Jake Bates showcased remarkable talent, converting 17 out of 22 field goal attempts for the Michigan Panthers, achieving a solid 77.2% success rate. His season was punctuated by several impressive long-distance kicks, including a 62-yard field goal against the Birmingham Stallions and a 60-yard field goal versus the Arlington Renegades. The highlight of his season, a record-setting 64-yard field goal, has been prominently featured in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s “Pro Football Today” exhibit. Bates’ exceptional performance earned him recognition as a member of the 2024 All-UFL team, a distinction announced on June 5th.
The addition of Jake Bates to the Detroit Lions sets the stage for an intense competition in their kicking roster. In the previous season, the Lions ranked 11th in the NFL with a field goal success rate of 90.5%. Bates will now vie for a position against established kicker Michael Badgley and undrafted Michigan kicker James Turner. This new dynamic in the Lions’ roster has the potential to enhance their special teams unit and possibly elevate their field goal efficiency in the upcoming season.