Jake Bates helped the Detroit Lions improve to 8-1 for the first time since 1954, but just 18 months ago he worked as a brick salesman in Houston.

Bates converted two late field goals to hand the Lions a stunning comeback win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, as they trailed by 16 points at the end of the first half. The Lions kicker tied the game from 58 yards with five minutes remaining on the game clock, before squeezing a 52-yard attempt through the posts for a walk-off victory.

The 25-year-old was lifted up by his teammates after the game and struggled to find the words to describe how he was feeling. “18 months ago I thought I was done with football,” Bates said. “I was working as a brick salesman.

“I’ve never been hoisted like that. That was pretty cool just to see the sidelines come to embrace me and stuff was a cool moment.” Bates had worked for manufacturing company Acme Brick in Northwest Houston, and said to the Houston Chronicle after the game: “I think it almost feels too scripted, it’s too good to be true.”

Like many kickers in the modern day, Bates came from a soccer background and grew up playing the sport in Houston. In his high school senior year, Bates decided to join the football team and got a feel for the game before heading to college.

Initially, Bates focused on soccer and played in college for Central Arkansas before deciding to try football again, transferring to Texas State and walking on as a kickoff specialist. Bates then transferred to Arkansas in 2022, handling kickoff duties and being named first-team All-SEC in 2022.

When going undrafted in 2023, Bates was invited by the Texans to attend training camp but was released later that summer. At that point, Bates thought that his dream was over and began pursuing a career.

Bates was a kickoff specialist at Arkansas after quitting soccer for football.

Bates was a kickoff specialist at Arkansas after quitting soccer for football. ( 

Image:

2022 Getty Images)

Bates gave kicking one more go and tried out for United Football League team Michigan Panthers, which resulted in him earning a contract and quickly gaining interest. Bates converted several field goal attempts from over 60 yards, and holds the league record after converting from 64 yards.

His life was about to change forever when the Lions signed him on a two-year contract, and Bates has proved to be extremely valuable. Bates has converted all 13 attempts in the NFL and now has two game-winning field goals for the Lions this season.

Bates was honored with a game ball by head coach Dan Campbell, who thanked him for his impact during a speech in the locker room. Campbell later revealed that Bates made similar field goals in practice on Thursday and decided to give him a game-winning chance.

“It was the first thing I thought of when I was looking at him… and I just felt good about it,” Campbell said. “I just felt like he was going to make it and he did. He stepped up and nailed it.”

A humble Bates added: “I just don’t deserve this,” Bates said. “I was a soccer player growing up. I idolized football players in the NFL. Just to be here is surreal. I’m still finding myself kind of pinching myself.”