It seems like the NFL might have an unmatched kicker incoming. Jake Bates is attracting a lot of attention from the league’s fans after he proved his kicking abilities, not once but twice in the UFL. The Michigan Panthers’ place kicker has been creating ripples in the UFL, having already created the record for the longest field goal.

In the opening match of the season, Bates helped the Panthers achieve an 18-16 win against the St. Louis Battlehawks by kicking the ball for 64 yards, a record in the UFL. When the kick was voided by the opposing team’s call for a timeout, it was no sweat for the  24-year-old as he repeated the feat. It’s hardly been a week since the stunning game, and Bates has done it yet again.

Jake Bates gains the league’s attention with a 62-yard field goal

Bates’ spectacular 64-yard goal was still fresh in our memories from the Panthers’ opening game and the phenomenal player accomplished the mega-hit again. This time, the former Arkansas kicker scored a goal from 62 yards, making it his third 60+ yard attempt within a span of just two weeks. Commenting on the same, Dov Kleiman took to X and wrote, “WOW: HE DID IT AGAIN 62-YARD FG FOR BATES! Will he be in the #NFL next season?”

To get a better understanding of this feat, let us look at the NFL record book. The NFL record for the longest field goal is by the Ravens’ Justin Tucker in 2021 for 66 yards. Last season, the best record was by the Cardinals’ Matt Prater for 62 yards. Bates has shown a whole new level of talent and consistency, and the UFL has just started!

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He quoted hard “practice” and” years and years of repetition and hitting the same ball” as the driving forces behind his record-breaking feat, as per Detroit Free Press. With fans and analysts, including Dov Kleiman, speculating about Bates’ possible entry into the NFL, Detroit might already have expressed its interest in the star kicker.

The Detroit Lions might be considering Bates as a potential prospect

We don’t know which is more impressive: two (technically three) 60+-yard field goals in back-to-back games or the fact that it was Bates’ first field goal since high school. The former Texas State player had tried his luck in the big league but wasn’t drafted, unfortunately. He was later signed by the Houston Texans but ultimately couldn’t make it to the final roster. However, his recent skill display in the UFL seems to leave these memories behind.

According to reports by Tony Paul, the Detroit Lions are showing interest in the kicker. The franchise is already in need of stability in their position, currently held by Michael Badgley, who didn’t have an extraordinary season last year. With fans’ vehement support for Bates’ signing to the Lions, we might soon see the kicking specialist play for the home team in the NFL.

Bates was given a second chance after the unsuccessful draft attempt, and he made the most of it. The kicking fiend is so far showing all green signs when it comes to re-entering the NFL, this time with the intention of a longer stay. What do you think of this possibility? Do you also believe Jake Bates will find his place with the Lions?

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