Jake Bates Wins Award, Helps Detroit Lions Make Franchise History
After a stellar performance in November, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has earned a prestigious accolade and helped the team achieve a significant milestone in franchise history.
On Thursday, the NFL announced that Bates has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.
Bates is the first Lions kicker to receive the honor since Matt Prater did so in September 2017. He is also just the third kicker in team history to win the award, joining Prater and Jason Hanson, who claimed the recognition twice and five times, respectively.
Bates’ achievement also marks the first time in franchise history that Detroit players have won the league’s offensive, defensive, and special teams Player of the Month awards in the same season. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson secured the defensive honor in September, while quarterback Jared Goff claimed the offensive award in October.
Signed in June after an impressive run in the United Football League, Bates has been exceptional in his first full NFL season. The former Michigan Panthers standout has converted 19-of-20 field goal attempts and 44-of-45 extra points this year.
In November, Bates scored 41 points, making all 17 of his extra-point attempts and 8-of-9 field goals, including a game-winning kick against the Houston Texans.
Bates first gained attention during the 2024 UFL season, where he consistently made long field goals and delivered clutch performances. He has carried those skills into his 12 games with Detroit, going 5-for-5 on field goals of 50-plus yards and securing multiple game-winning kicks.
The Lions, with Bates leading the special teams, will return to action on Thursday night at Ford Field in a Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
