By Sunday 
No camp competition, no problem—Detroit’s new kicking ace is booming with confidence and leg power.
The NFL is full of wild career arcs, but few feel as blue-collar-meets-big-league as Jake Bates’. Just a year ago, the guy was selling bricks in Texas. Now? He’s cemented himself as the Detroit Lions’ kicker of the present—and maybe the future.
And the team’s message heading into training camp?
“We believe.”
So much so, they aren’t even bringing in any competition.
🦁 Locked In, No Questions Asked
You’d expect most NFL teams to have at least a kicker or punter battle brewing as camp opens. Not the Lions. Jake Bates (K), Jack Fox (P), and Hogan Hatten (LS) have the full faith of the front office and coaches.
And really, who can blame them?
- Bates went 26 of 29 on field goals last season, with a long of 58 yards.
- He missed only three extra points on 67 attempts.
- And this was after not even kicking field goals in college.
That’s a pretty clean stat sheet for a guy whose path to the NFL included stops in the UFL with the Michigan Panthers and, well, hardware retail.
🗣️ “A Chance to Be One of the Best Who Ever Played”
That’s not some random tweet. That’s what special teams coordinator Dave Fipp told The Athletic about Bates’ ceiling.
It’s high praise, but not unwarranted. Bates’ story is more than just a feel-good arc—it’s a tale of pure grit and steady progress. What began as a camp flyer turned into a high-pressure, high-accuracy season that earned him not just a job, but a role on one of the NFL’s top contending rosters.
🧠 Fox and Hatten Keep It Clean
Let’s not forget the other two-thirds of Detroit’s special teams trio.
- Jack Fox led the league in net punting average (46.2 yards), added a Pro Bowl, and a first-team All-Pro nod. And yes, he’s improved even more as a holder.
- Hogan Hatten? Smooth, steady, and athletic downfield. Exactly what you want in a long snapper.
The Lions didn’t overthink it. With this group, why would they?
🏁 The Return Game: A Bit More Fluid
There is some mild uncertainty when it comes to returners. Kalif Raymond is a lock on punts, fresh off another second-team All-Pro honor. But kick returner remains more open.
Sione Vaki is one to watch, especially with Khalil Dorsey still working back from injury. But if that’s the most drama in the entire unit? We’ll take it.
🧱 Built from the Ground Up
Jake Bates’ journey is exactly the kind of story Lions fans love. He’s not flashy, not loud—he just shows up, drills 50+ yarders, and lets the tape talk. From bricks to big kicks, the man has earned his spot.
The Lions aren’t just giving him the job.
They’re betting he could become a legend in Honolulu blue.