The Detroit Lions are 8-1 for the first time since 1954.
But their win against the Houston Texans on Sunday didn’t come easy.
On the road, the Lions trailed 23-7 at half-time after Jared Goff threw three interceptions in the first two quarters – and he threw two more picks in the third.
But Detroit scored 16 straight points and tied the game with five minutes left when Jake Bates kicked a 58-yard field goal.
He then completed Detroit’s stunning comeback by nailing a 52-yard kick to make it 26-23 as the clock ticked to zero.
Lions fans in the stadium – and in living rooms across the world – went crazy as the final kicked sailed just inside of the posts.
As too did a group of fans in the sky.
Video has surfaced on social media of a plane packed full of Lions fans on their way to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
As the flight prepares to make its descent, a number of passengers can be seen watching the final four seconds of the game from their seats.
However, Bates’ game-winning kick is almost spoiled by a flight attendant making an announcement.
Some passengers are heard groaning as the announcement cuts over the screen, before the attendant realises what’s happening and stops speaking.
The passengers then let out some cheers and claps as Bates sends the ball through the posts.
After the video was shared online, it was posted on X by the NFL‘s official account with the caption: “Gotta feel for the flight attendant here.”
The story of Detroit’s kicker, a Houston-area native who grew up playing soccer, has captured the attention of NFL fans following his impressive effort.
Bates played college soccer at Central Arkansas, then walked on as a kickoff specialist at Texas State.
He never attempted a field goal in college but earned an invite to Texans training camp last year.
After eventually getting cut, Bates took a job as a brick salesman.
In December 2023, he tried out for the United Football League, signing with the Michigan Panthers.
There, he gained a reputation for having a big leg by nailing multiple kicks from 60-plus yards. Following the UFL season, he signed with Detroit.
Bates went from brick salesman to game-winner against the Texans on Sunday, bringing his story full circle in dramatic fashion.
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