Jake Bates is the best example of the opportunity the United Football League can provide.
The kicker who never attempted a field goal from high school until the UFL’s inaugural season has parlayed the chance into a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions.
Bates was a kickoff specialist in college. In the UFL, he showed a powerful leg, hitting from as far as 64 yards.
Bates was 17-of-22 for the Michigan Panthers. He was 7-of-7 from 40-49 and 6-of-10 from 50 and longer.
Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates is signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Lions, his agent told @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/2swudeG8WP
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 15, 2024
🚨🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨🚨🚨
UFL superstar kicker Jake Bates plans to sign with the Detroit #Lions next week, according to reports.
Bates has a legendary season hitting a 60-yarder, 64 yarder, 62 yarder, 60 yarder, 55 yarder, & 52 yarder, & was extremely clutch.
DETROIT’s KICKER pic.twitter.com/Hrzq7O0uPc
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 14, 2024