Jake Bates Makes History: Third Lions Rookie to Score 100+ Points in a Sensational 2024 Season
The Detroit Lions have a new hero in rookie kicker Jake Bates, who has etched his name into the franchise’s record books by becoming only the third player in team history to score 100 or more points in their debut season. Joining legends Eddie Murray (1980) and Doak Walker (1950), Bates’ remarkable 2024 campaign has not only solidified his place among the NFL’s elite kickers but also underscored his critical role in the Lions’ dominant 15-2 season. From selling bricks in Houston to nailing game-winning field goals, Bates’ journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and raw talent. This article dives into his historic achievement, his improbable rise, and why he’s become a cornerstone of Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations.
A Record-Breaking Rookie Season
Jake Bates’ 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Entering Week 13 against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, Bates reached the 100-point milestone with three first-half field goals, including a 48-yarder, to join Murray and Walker in Lions lore. By the end of the regular season, he had amassed a franchise-record 142 points, surpassing Jason Hanson’s previous mark of 134 set in 2012. His stats are staggering: 26 of 29 field goals (89.7%), 64 of 67 extra points, and 6 of 8 field goals from 50-plus yards. Bates also made history as the first NFL player to kick a 55-plus-yard game-tying field goal and a 50-plus-yard game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter of the same game, a feat accomplished in Week 10 against the Houston Texans.
Bates’ consistency and clutch performance have been pivotal for a Lions team that clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a first-round playoff bye. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations—evidenced by game-winning kicks against the Minnesota Vikings (Week 7), Houston Texans (Week 10), and Green Bay Packers (Week 14)—has earned him the trust of head coach Dan Campbell and the adoration of Lions fans.
From Brick Salesman to NFL Star
Bates’ path to NFL stardom is a story of resilience. Just 18 months ago, he thought his football dreams were over. After going undrafted out of Arkansas in 2023 and being cut by the Houston Texans after a brief training camp stint, Bates took a job selling bricks at Acme Brick Co. in Houston. “I thought the dream was dead,” he told the Associated Press. But a tryout with the United Football League’s (UFL) Michigan Panthers changed everything. Bates made waves in the UFL, nailing three field goals of 60-plus yards, including a record-setting 64-yarder at Ford Field—the same stadium where he now stars for the Lions.
Signed by Detroit in June 2024, Bates won the kicking job after incumbent Michael Badgley suffered a season-ending injury. Despite an inconsistent training camp, the Lions stuck with the 25-year-old, banking on his powerful leg and mental toughness. That faith paid off. Bates went 19-for-19 on field goals to start his career, the second-most consecutive makes to begin an NFL career, and earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors in November for converting four 50-plus-yard field goals.
Defining Moments of 2024
Bates’ rookie season is defined by clutch performances that swung games in Detroit’s favor. In Week 7, he drilled a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to secure a 31-29 upset over the Minnesota Vikings, handing the previously unbeaten team their first loss. In Week 10, he delivered a 58-yard game-tying kick and a 52-yard game-winner against the Texans, earning praise for his ice-cold composure. And in Week 14, his 35-yard field goal as time expired clinched a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers, securing a playoff berth. These moments highlight why Bates is seen as a cornerstone of Detroit’s postseason hopes.
Bates credits a pivotal moment in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys for turning his season around. Struggling with extra-point consistency early on, he noticed he was rushing his second step. Adjusting his technique mid-game, he tucked an extra point inside the right upright, a moment he says brought calm and confidence. From there, he became one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers, with only three field goal misses all season.
What Makes Bates Special?
Several factors set Bates apart as a kicker:
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Powerful Leg: Bates’ ability to consistently hit from long range is unmatched. His 64-yard UFL kick remains the longest in that league’s history, and his 58-yard and 57-yard NFL field goals showcase his range.
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Clutch Mentality: Bates thrives under pressure, going 4-for-4 on game-tying or go-ahead field goals in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime. Coach Campbell has lauded his ability to treat every kick as “just the next kick.”
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Team Chemistry: Bates credits long snapper Hogan Hatten, holder Jack Fox, and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp for his success. Their trust and synergy have been crucial to his consistency.
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Faith and Humility: A devout Christian, Bates often speaks about his faith, saying, “This doesn’t happen without Jesus.” His humility shines through as he deflects praise to teammates and coaches.
Impact on the Lions’ Super Bowl Push
The Lions’ 2024 season has been a historic one, with a 15-2 record, an NFC North title, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. While the offense, led by Jared Goff, and a stout defense get much of the credit, Bates’ reliability has been a game-changer. In a league where games are often decided by a single kick, having a dependable kicker like Bates is a luxury. His franchise-record 142 points and ability to deliver in clutch moments make him a secret weapon as Detroit eyes its first Super Bowl.
As the Lions prepare for their playoff run, Bates’ postseason experience with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers—where he made four field goals in a playoff game but also missed two—serves as a reminder of the fine margins in high-stakes games. He’s vowed to treat every kick with the same focus, knowing one miss could be costly.
The Road Ahead
With a two-year contract through 2025, Bates is poised to be a fixture in Detroit for years to come. His record-setting rookie season has already drawn comparisons to Lions legend Jason Hanson, and his trajectory suggests he could become one of the NFL’s premier kickers. Fans on X have dubbed him “Big Boot Bates,” and his viral stretching moment against the 49ers only added to his cult status.
As the Lions gear up for the playoffs, Bates’ leg could be the difference between a deep run and an early exit. With a first-round bye and home games at Ford Field, where he’s thrived, the stage is set for Bates to cement his legacy. Whether it’s a 50-yarder to tie a game or a walk-off winner, Lions fans know they can count on their rookie sensation.
Conclusion: A Star Is Born
Jake Bates’ transformation from brick salesman to NFL record-breaker is one of the most inspiring stories of the 2024 season. His 100-plus-point rookie campaign, clutch kicks, and historic 142-point total have made him a Detroit icon. As the Lions chase Super Bowl glory, Bates’ journey—from the UFL to Ford Field—serves as a reminder that dreams, with faith and hard work, can come true. The NFL has a new kicking star, and his name is Jake Bates.
