UFL and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates, who has drawn interest from the Detroit Lions after nailing some ridiculously long field goals this season, is apparently human after all.
In the Panthers' Week 5 game against the Memphis Showboats, Bates missed a pair of field goals in the first half. But, context is important here, as not only were the field goals from 58 and 62 yards, there was also wind in what was his first outdoor game of 2024. All four of his previous games had been indoors, including three at Ford Field.
Bates was able to rebound later in the game, though, knocking through a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Typically you'd expect a kicker to miss field goals from those absurd distances, but Bates had set such a high standard after two of his makes this season were from 60-plus yards that it's pretty much expected of him, as unfair as that might be.
Even still, Bates should garner looks from NFL teams for the impressive feats he's pulled off this season. Multiple teams have already inquired, and as we already stated, the Lions were one of them.
Detroit did reportedly add a kicker after the draft in Michigan's James Turner, but that should stop the Lions from adding to a competition that will also include Michael Badgley.
