Know who is former soccer player Jake Bates, who managed to score an impressive field goal from 64-yards to secure the win for Michigan Panthers in the UFL
During their Week 1 matchup against the St. Louis Battlehawks, the Michigan Panthers found themselves trailing 15-16 with only nine seconds remaining. Amidst the tense situation, Mike Nolan, the Panthers’ coach, instructed Bates to take the field for the bold 64-yard attempt. Despite facing daunting odds, Bates executed flawlessly. His kick elegantly arced through the air at Ford Field, splitting the uprights and securing a thrilling 18-16 victory for the Panthers.
Who is Michigan Panthers UFL kicker Jake Bates, bio, age, position and stats
64 YARDS FOR THE WIN 😱
JAKE BATES WITH A BOOT FOR @USFLPANTHERS pic.twitter.com/nx25x1PEIK
— UFL (@XFL2023) March 30, 2024
Who is Jake Bates?
Jake Bates, a 24-year-old kicker for the Michigan Panthers, carved his name into UFL annals with a remarkable 64-yard field goal during his inaugural game. Bates originally pursued soccer, competing for Central Arkansas, where he featured in 36 games, starting 29 and netting four goals. In 2020, Bates made a switch to Texas State, spending two seasons as the Bobcats’ kickoff specialist.
His exceptional performances attracted the attention of the SEC, leading to an opportunity with Arkansas, where he shone, boasting a 64.5-yard average per kick and an 85.3% touchback rate. Bates’ prowess earned him a shot in the NFL, as Houston inked him in the summer of 2023 to vie for the kicking position. Despite featuring in just one preseason game and converting 2 of 3 extra points, Bates was ultimately released as Ka’imi Fairbairn retained the starting role.
Following this, the UFL enlisted Bates to reinforce its kicker roster for the 2024 season, affording him an opportunity to solidify his position as the latest sensation in the league, emulating the path of Brandon Aubrey, who made the transition from soccer to become a prominent kicker in the USFL during 2022 and 2023. Bates embarked on his UFL journey on a positive note, successfully converting his initial field goal attempt with the Panthers.
National Football League: longest field goals and record holders
Although Bates’ groundbreaking kick doesn’t surpass the NFL’s longest field goal, a distinction held by Justin Tucker for his 66-yard game-winning kick in 2021, it still stands as a remarkable accomplishment. Before Tucker’s achievement, the record was held by Matt Prater, who made a 64-yard field goal for the Broncos against the Titans in 2013, surpassing Tom Dempsey’s record set 43 years prior in November 1970.
we examine the list of longest field goals:
|
Rank
|
Player | Team | Year | Distance |
| 1 | Justin Tucker | Ravens | 2021 | 66 |
| 2 | Matt Prater | Broncos | 2013 | 64 |
| 3 | Brett Maher | Cowboys | 2019 | 63 |
| Sebastian Janikowski | Raiders | 2011 | 63 | |
| Graham Gano | Panthers | 2018 | 63 | |
| Jason Elam | Broncos | 1998 | 63 | |
| Tom Dempsey | Saints | 1970 | 63 | |
| David Akers | 49ers | 2012 | 63 | |
| 9 | Matt Prater | Cardinals | 2023 | 62 |
| Harrison Butker | Chiefs | 2022 | 62 | |
| Matt Prater | Cardinals | 2021 | 62 | |
| Brett Maher | Cowboys | 2019 | 62 | |
| Brett Maher | Cowboys | 2018 | 62 | |
| Stephen Gostkowski | Patriots | 2017 | 62 | |
| Matt Bryant | Buccaneers | 2006 | 62 |