Last week, Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates made a significant impact during the thrilling opening weekend of the 2024 UFL season. At the iconic Ford Field, Bates executed an impressive 64-yard field goal (twice) in the closing moments of the game, leading the Panthers to a remarkable victory and a strong 1-0 start to their season. His performance not only showcased his skills but also set the tone for an exciting season ahead.

On Sunday, Bates continued to shine with an encore performance that was nearly as stunning as his previous feat. The Panthers found themselves trailing the Birmingham Stallions 17-7 with just two seconds left in the first half, creating a tense atmosphere. Michigan opted to send out Bates for a challenging 62-yard attempt, and once again, Bates delivered a remarkable kick, demonstrating his growing reputation as a reliable kicker in high-pressure situations.

With his successful 62-yard field goal, Bates has now remarkably made 60+ yard kicks in consecutive games, an achievement that has only been accomplished once in the history of the NFL. This consistency in long-distance kicking not only highlights his exceptional talent but also places him among the elite kickers in professional football.

Shortly after, Bates effortlessly converted a 52-yard field goal, making him a perfect three-for-three on the season—all from 52 yards or beyond. His impressive accuracy and distance are turning heads and drawing attention from fans and teams alike, solidifying his status as a standout player in the league.

If you missed last week’s coverage, Bates is emerging as one of the most intriguing stories in professional football. It was revealed during the broadcast that Bates’ 64-yard game-winning kick was the first in-game field goal he has made or attempted since his high school days. Surprisingly, throughout his entire college career, he served primarily as a kickoff specialist, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to his recent performances.

However, the story takes an even more unexpected twist. In an interview with Tony Paul of the Detroit News, Bates disclosed that he never made a field goal during high school. His only attempt was a missed 47-yarder, which makes his current success all the more surprising and inspirational for aspiring athletes.

“It was funny. Everything I saw was, ‘He hasn’t made a field goal since high school,’ and I was like, well, that’s a little incorrect, but I was just gonna roll with it,” Bates shared. “The truth is, I didn’t make one in high school.” This candid reflection highlights his journey and the unexpected turns it has taken, challenging preconceived notions about his abilities.

While Bates’ background might suggest that field goal kicking is a new concept for him, it’s worth noting that he had a chance in the NFL last season. Unfortunately, after successfully converting only 2-of-3 extra point attempts in the preseason opener for the Houston Texans, he was released. This experience likely fueled his determination to improve and excel in his current role.

So, how does all of this relate to the Detroit Lions? Besides the fact that these remarkable feats occurred on their home turf, the Lions have shown interest in Bates. Since parting ways with Matt Prater in 2021, Detroit has struggled to find a long-term kicker, and general manager Brad Holmes has expressed intentions to bring in competition for the currently rostered kicker, Michael Badgley. Bates’ growing reputation may make him a prime candidate.

While the specific rules governing players signing with the NFL from the UFL are not abundantly clear, it is commonly believed that they have adopted last year’s XFL policy, which restricts players from signing with the NFL until the conclusion of the UFL season. The UFL regular season runs through June 2, with playoffs concluding on June 16, which leaves fans and teams eagerly anticipating potential moves.