As the NFL season approaches its grand finale, football fans find themselves gearing up for an exciting stretch. With the regular season concluding next week, the playoffs on the horizon, and the Super Bowl slated for February, the anticipation is palpable. But once the final whistle of the NFL season blows, what’s next for football enthusiasts? The answer is simple: the United Football League (UFL).

Starting in March, the UFL promises to fill the void, delivering more football action for fans hungry for gridiron excitement. But the league isn’t just targeting viewers — it’s positioning itself as a platform for aspiring players looking to carve a path to the pros. And who better to champion this message than the league’s most prominent success story to date: Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates.

In a newly released commercial, Bates is front and center, symbolizing the potential of the UFL as a launching pad for NFL stardom. The ad opens with a dramatic replay of Bates’ now-iconic 64-yard field goal at Ford Field during his time with the Michigan Panthers. As the ball soars through the uprights, the screen fades to black, with bold white text asking, “Wonder where this guy is now?”

The moment, which went viral last year, solidified Bates’ status as a standout athlete. It had everyone in the football world talking, and it didn’t take long for the Detroit Lions to notice. By the summer, Bates had made the leap from the UFL to the NFL, securing a roster spot and quickly proving his worth. In his first season, he has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable and exciting kickers, delivering clutch performances week after week.

The UFL’s choice to spotlight Bates underscores the league’s commitment to nurturing talent and offering opportunities for players to shine on a larger stage. It’s a powerful message to both prospective players and fans: the UFL isn’t just a stopgap for football lovers; it’s a legitimate proving ground for those with NFL dreams.

With Bates’ remarkable journey as inspiration, the question on everyone’s mind is clear: will the UFL unearth another star in 2025? Only time will tell, but if Jake Bates’ story is any indication, the UFL’s upcoming season is bound to be one to watch — for fans and scouts alike.

So as the NFL season winds down, keep your eyes on the UFL. Who knows? The next Jake Bates might just be gearing up to make history.