Jake Bates: The legend of UFL kicker and potential Detroit Lions target grows

Mike Moraitis

Jake Bates: The legend of UFL kicker and potential Detroit Lions target grows image

The legend of UFL and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates has grown after he made yet another long field goal on Sunday afternoon at the Detroit Lions' home stadium, Ford Field.

Bates, who has made long field goals look elementary so far this season, nailed yet another kick over 50 yards in the Week 3 contest against the Houston Roughnecks.

With Michigan down 11-9 in the closing seconds of the first half, Bates attempted a 55-yarder — which amounts to a chip shot for him at this point — and knocked it through.

He is now 5-for-5 on the season, with makes from 64, 62, 55, 52 and 46, with the 46-yarder coming prior to his 55-yard make. The 64-, 62- and 52-yarders came over the first two games of the campaign.

Related: Lions fans beg Jake Bates to 'stay in Detroit'

Bates, who has reportedly drawn interest from the Lions, has made all five of his kicks at Ford Field, with the 64-yarder being the second-longest in the venue's history, trailing only Justin Tucker's 66-yard make. He actually nailed the 64-yarder twice, but the first make was negated due to a timeout.

Signing Bates would make sense for the Lions, as they could use some competition for Michael Badgley, the only kicker currently on Detroit's roster.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.