Jake Bates, the kicker for the Michigan Panthers, has been impressing football fans and scouts with his exceptional field goal kicking abilities. In just two weeks of UFL play, Bates has already surpassed an impressive feat that no one in the NFL accomplished last season.
In the Panthers’ first game of the new United Football League, Bates nailed a 64-yard field goal as time expired to secure a victory for his team. Following this incredible feat, Bates continued his strong performance by kicking a 62-yard field goal in the Panthers’ second game of the season.
To put Bates’ kicking prowess into perspective, there was only one 62-yard field goal made in the NFL last season, by Matt Prater of the Cardinals. In fact, no field goals longer than 62 yards were made in the NFL last season. Bates has already matched and surpassed these impressive feats in just two weeks of UFL play.
Having specialized as a kickoff specialist in college, Bates had not attempted a field goal in a game since high school prior to last week. Despite his lack of experience, Bates has quickly caught the attention of NFL teams with his strong leg and accurate kicks. It is likely that Bates will receive an invitation to an NFL training camp in July, as teams are eager to see how this previously unknown player can contribute to their kicking game.
