Before Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates made field goals and extra points in the NFL last season as a first-year player, Bates was putting in the work in the UFL with the Michigan Panthers.
Bates entered the spring league as a complete unknown, but developed into the best kicker in the UFL last season. He made a few big kicks at longer distances, which caught fans and obviously the NFL’s attention.
That said, the former Panthers kicker will be getting a notable honor at an upcoming UFL game.
According to James Larsen of Pro Football Newsroom, the Panthers will give away a Jake Bates bobblehead to the first 2,000 fans who show up to next week’s home game against the Houston Roughnecks. Larsen also teases that the Detroit kicker might be at the game.
Bates converted 17-of-22 field goals in the UFL in 2024, including a perfect 7-for-7 on field goals between 40-49 yards, and 6-for-10 from 50-plus yards out.
After seeing Brandon Aubrey’s success with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL, the Lions didn’t let Bates out of their sights, signing him to a two-year deal last summer. It also helps that Michigan plays its games at Ford Field.
This is a cool giveaway for the regular season finale by the Panthers’ staff, as Bates put on a show last season in the UFL, which propelled him to the NFL. Last year with the Lions, Bates made 26-of-29 field goals (89.7 percent) and 64-of-67 extra point attempts (95.5 percent).
As he did in the UFL, the former Michigan kicker had success in the NFL between 40-49 yards (7-for-8) and from 50-plus yards out (6-for-8). It should be a fun environment next week at Ford Field as the Panthers are one of the contenders to win the UFL title, and their fans will hopefully see one of their former players.