The Detroit Lions had a 7.9 percent chance to win on a night when Jared Goff threw five interceptions.
Dan Campbell’s gritty crew prevailed by blanking the Houston Texans 19-0 in the second half for a stunning 26-23 road victory on Sunday.
Jake Bates lived a dream as the Detroit Lions pulled off a national TV stunner[/caption]
Normally, players such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs or Goff are the last-second heroes for Detroit.
To improve to an NFC-best 8-1 and keep pace with Patrick Mahomes‘ undefeated Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the NFL, the Lions turned to one of the most unlikely heroes in recent football history.
Football used to mean soccer for Jake Bates.
And the former Central Arkansas soccer player already possessed one of the best stories in the NFL, before he barely made a 52-yard field goal as time expired in Houston.
“Eighteen months ago, I thought I was done with football,” Bates said. “I was working as a brick salesman.”
He’s not exagerrating.
Bates spent time as a sales representative for Acme Brick near his hometown of Tomball, which is also home for NBA star Jimmy Butler and is located 40 miles away from the Texans’ NRG Stadium.
“There are a lot of days where it feels it’s never going to happen,” Bates told ABC13.
“There are a lot of days where you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But good things come to those who work hard.
“What’s done in the dark will come to light eventually – whether that be tomorrow or in five years.”
Bates played soccer in college and was cut by the Houston Texans[/caption]
He also bounced around college and played in the United Football League[/caption]
The Texans couldn’t believe they lost to a former soccer player they cut[/caption]
The light broke through on Sunday night.
Bates was 2-of-2 on field goals, also blasting a 58-yarder.
He ran around the field after pushing Detroit to 8-1, then was proudly lifted up by his Lions teammates.
Making Bates’ story even more improbable is the fact that he was signed by the Texans last season as an undrafted free agent, then released two weeks later.
Bates spent time in the United Football League playing for the Michigan Panthers.
And when he was a college football player at Texas State, he was initially limited to kickoff duties.
“I just don’t deserve this,” Bates said. “I was a soccer player growing up.
“I idolized football players in the NFL, and just to be here is surreal. I’m still pinching myself.”
On a night when Goff threw five picks and the Lions trailed 23-7 at half, Detroit turned to a former college soccer player who was cut by the Texans for last-second hope.
Bates used to kick field goals in near-empty stadiums[/caption]
“That was a hard-fought game,” Detroit coach Dan Campbell said.
“We had to fight our way back in there. I’m proud of the guys.
“There’s things we’ve got to clean up, but our guys wouldn’t go away. They just wouldn’t go away.”
Neither would Bates, even when the NFL initially believed that it was too good for him.
“He’s got a 52-yarder for a comeback for the ages,” NBC announcer Mike Tirico said.
“For the win … it’s in! Yes! It’s good! Just inside the uprights!
“Jake Bates, hometown hero. And the Lions have come all the way back.”
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