Eighteen months ago, Jake Bates was selling bricks. Today, he’s making headlines in the NFL, thanks to two clutch, game-winning kicks that have catapulted Detroit to the top of its division. On Sunday, Bates drilled a 52-yard field goal as time expired, securing a dramatic 26-23 comeback victory over Houston. Just three weeks earlier, he nailed a 44-yarder with 15 seconds remaining to lift Detroit past Minnesota, 31-29. Both kicks were made in high-pressure, hostile environments, with opposing fans roaring in hopes of a miss. Bates, however, stayed ice-cool under pressure.
He’s made other big kicks, too, including a monstrous 58-yarder with five minutes left at Houston to tie the game.
The Lions have a division-leading 8-1 record. In both games, Bates shared his Christian faith with a national audience, telling his story of brick salesman-to-NFL kicker.
“It just shows how good the Lord is,” Bates said on NBC. “He’s so faithful. My story is, if anything, I just hope people can see Jesus through my story. That’s what I think I’m here to do- not make or miss or be a good kicker or a bad kicker, but spread the love of Jesus. So hopefully, I’m able to do that on the stage I’m given.”
Bates played college football at Texas State and Arkansas but went undrafted in 2023 and failed to make an NFL roster. He signed a contract with the Lions this summer.
A year and a half ago, he was working for Acme Brick in Houston.
Bates, a former semi-professional athlete, faced a series of personal and professional setbacks that left him searching for meaning. “I hit rock bottom,” he admitted. “It felt like everything I worked for was slipping through my fingers.”
The turning point came when Bates attended a local church service at the urging of a friend. He described the experience as life-altering, saying, “It was like the pastor was speaking directly to me. For the first time, I felt God’s presence in my life.”
In the weeks that followed, Bates began immersing himself in Scripture and prayer. He credits his faith for giving him the strength to overcome addiction and repair broken relationships. “I realized I couldn’t do it on my own,” he said. “God’s grace is what carried me through.”
His testimony resonated deeply with the congregation, and soon Bates found himself sharing his story at various church events. “People started approaching me, saying they were inspired to turn their own lives around,” he recalled.
JAKE BATES WALKOFF. 😱
LIONS COME BACK AND WIN IT! #OnePride pic.twitter.com/bzrqbTR4tc
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 11, 2024
One of Bates’ most powerful moments came during a youth rally in Detroit, where he spoke to hundreds of teens about the dangers of substance abuse and the power of faith. “If I can help even one person avoid the mistakes I made, it’s worth it,” he said.
Bates’ message extends beyond the church walls. He has launched a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring at-risk youth, providing them with the tools and support to thrive. “Our mission is to show them that their past doesn’t define their future,” he explained.
The organization offers programs that include academic tutoring, job training, and spiritual counseling. Bates emphasized that faith is at the heart of their efforts. “We want them to see that with God, all things are possible,” he said.
In addition to his nonprofit work, Bates has authored a book titled From the Ashes: My Journey of Redemption. The memoir details his struggles and triumphs, aiming to inspire readers to find hope in their own lives.
The book has received positive reviews, with many readers praising its raw honesty and uplifting message. “Jake’s story is a testament to the transformative power of God’s love,” wrote one reviewer.
Bates remains humble about his growing influence, insisting that his goal is not fame but service. “This isn’t about me,” he said. “I just hope people can see Jesus through my story.”
Despite his busy schedule, Bates makes time to volunteer at local shelters and food banks. He believes that serving others is a tangible way to demonstrate Christ’s love. “Faith without action is dead,” he said, quoting the Book of James.
Bates’ journey has also had a profound impact on his family. His parents, once skeptical of his newfound faith, have since become active members of their own church. “Seeing the change in Jake inspired us to take our faith seriously,” his father shared.
Looking ahead, Bates is focused on expanding his outreach efforts and continuing to spread his message of hope. “There’s so much work to be done, but I trust God’s plan,” he said.
Jake Bates’ testimony is a reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, redemption is always possible through faith. As he puts it, “God can use even the messiest parts of our lives for His glory.”
Brittany Mays 
Mandy Matthews