Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates made two field goals, including a 57-yarder, in a win against the San Francisco 49ers and set a franchise record.
However, the new brand was the last thing NFL fans were talking about Monday night.
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Detroit Lions placekicker Jake Bates, #39, attempts a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, December 30, 2024. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
A clip of Bates stretching went viral on social media. ESPN announcer Lisa Salters explained that Bates was dealing with a hip issue, but footage of Bates sent fans into a frenzy. He even made Joe Buck and Troy Aikman laugh.
The rookie was 25 of 28 on field goal attempts this season and 60 of 63 on extra points, although he missed two against the 49ers.
LIONS BEAT 49ERS AS DAN CAMPBELL’S ‘FULL THROTTLE’ MENTALITY SAW STARTERS PLAY THE ENTIRE GAME
Bates’ 135 points in 16 games surpassed Jason Hanson’s mark in 2012. Hanson scored 135 points that season.
Detroit Lions placekicker Jake Bates, #39, is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The former United Football League (UFL) standout played the hero several times for Detroit this season. He was in the UFL playing for the Michigan Panthers when he went viral for a 64-yard field goal.
He was selling bricks in Texas a year ago before re-signing with the Panthers and eventually making it to the NFL.
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, No. 39, warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Dec. 15, 2024. (David Reginek-Imagn Images)
Detroit could close out a wild season with an NFC North title next week against the Minnesota Vikings. A win would put an exclamation point on a year in which they overcame a series of injuries on their way to the postseason.
