The Minnesota Vikings have a mighty need at kicker. If you read that like it was said in Invader Zim, I salute you. There are a lot of different ways to address the position, but Jake Bates is making a huge case that it should be him.
If you haven't been following the United Football League, you are missing out on one of the more impressive performances of the football season. Bates is the kicker for the Michigan Panthers and has wowed everyone with his impressive leg.
In his first two weeks, Bates kicked a game-winning 64-yard field goal, 62-yard field goal and 55-yard field goal. Oh, and he didn't attempt a single field goal in college. On Saturday, Bates did it again from 49 yards with about 15+ yards to spare.
49 yards?
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 21, 2024
Not a problem for Jake Bates 🎯 pic.twitter.com/xH6PCDk2UY
Bates looks to be the next kicker that comes from relative obscurity to being one of the better kickers in the National Football League.