Jake Bates was reflecting on his unusual journey when standing on the field in his hometown of Houston.
He was asked to
consider how he transitioned from learning the brick business to becoming an NFL kicker for the Detroit Lions.
Bates used his platform as a professional athlete to express his love for Jesus during a high-profile NBC interview, after helping the Lions secure a win against the Texans with a 52-yard field goal as time ran out.
Just a month later, Bates told The Associated Press that it was a responsibility to publicly share his Christian faith. He explained, “None of this happens without Jesus.
Living itself doesn’t happen without Him dying on the cross.” Bates firmly believes that God gave him the opportunity to play in the NFL so that he could glorify Him.
The NFL is filled with players and coaches who share this belief, using their positions to promote their faith.
Quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud of Houston, Kirk Cousins of Atlanta, and Lamar Jackson of Baltimore, as well as Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, are known for publicly discussing their Christian beliefs.
Stroud, in particular, has inspired Bates. Bates is especially impressed with how Stroud openly credits Jesus during media appearances. Bates admires the way Stroud has leveraged the media to spread the message of Jesus’ love.
Harbaugh, too, has made a habit of using his public platform to speak about faith.
In a recent post-game press conference, Harbaugh reminded everyone that Christmas was approaching, before sharing the prayer that had just been said in the Ravens’ locker room.
He emphasized the importance of both football and spiritual matters during that time, saying, “It’s a big football week, all right? It’s also a big life week. It’s a big spiritual week.”
Kirk Cousins has also been vocal about his faith, publicly sharing it since his college days at Michigan State and continuing throughout his NFL career with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta.
He has expressed, “We all have a platform. We all try to steward it the best we can. I just want to be able to give a reason to people who ask for the hope that I have.”
Though Christianity is the dominant faith within the NFL, some Jewish and Muslim players have also used their platform to share their beliefs.
Recently, Jake Retzlaff made history as the first Jewish quarterback at Brigham Young University, a school sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has embraced the role of representing Judaism in the football world.
Bates’ journey is particularly remarkable.
Growing up in Tomball, Texas, just outside Houston, he started as a soccer player at Central Arkansas before changing sports and transferring twice.
Bates eventually became a kickoff specialist for Texas State for two years and then Arkansas, where he earned All-SEC honors in 2022. His potential was undeniable, but his NFL journey wasn’t straightforward.
In August 2023, the Houston Texans signed Bates, but they released him only 11 days later, leading Bates to consider a different career path in the brick business.
Despite his setback, Bates wasn’t ready to leave football. He attended an XFL showcase in the fall of 2023, believing it was his last chance to make a career in the sport.
Fortunately, Bates impressed scouts and was signed by the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League.
He quickly made a name for himself, hitting three field goals of over 60 yards.
His success with the Panthers, a team that shares its home field with the Detroit Lions, was seen by Bates as a divine intervention.
In the NFL, Bates seized every opportunity given to him. His most notable achievements include game-winning kicks against NFC North rivals like Minnesota, Green Bay, and Houston.
His standout performances earned him the NFC special teams player of the month honor in November 2023.
Although Bates takes his role as a kicker seriously, he insists that his true purpose is not merely to make or miss field goals.
“I’m not here to make kicks or miss kicks,” Bates said. “I believe I’m here to share the love of Jesus. No matter how long I have this platform, that’s what I intend to do.”
His message reflects the strong belief among many NFL players that their platform should be used to reflect their faith.
For Bates, football is just a part of his mission. Whether on the field or off, he is committed to living out his faith and sharing it with others.
The NFL, with its large audience and high-profile athletes, serves as a powerful platform for many players to express their faith.
For Bates, Stroud, Cousins, and others, football provides an opportunity to reach people and share their belief in Jesus Christ, while also striving to be role models for others in the sport.
Through their public expressions of faith, these athletes inspire fans, teammates, and even those outside the football world. They understand the weight of their platform and feel a sense of responsibility to use it for a higher purpose.
In a world where fame can often lead to self-promotion, many NFL players are choosing to use their position to glorify something greater than themselves.
The story of Jake Bates is just one example of how faith intersects with professional sports.
It shows how athletes can use their personal beliefs as a source of strength, inspiration, and purpose. For Bates, the challenges he faced on his journey to the NFL didn’t deter him.
Instead, he views them as part of his divine calling, with each opportunity serving a higher purpose than just playing football.
As more athletes continue to publicly share their faith, the NFL remains a unique platform for promoting positive messages and inspiring others to embrace faith in their lives.
Players like Bates, Stroud, Cousins, and Jackson exemplify the power of using one’s platform for something bigger than themselves, and they continue to influence the lives of others through their actions both on and off the field.
In the end, the story of Jake Bates and his NFL journey is about more than just football. It’s about purpose, faith, and the opportunity to share that faith with the world, wherever the stage may be.
And for Bates, as long as he has the chance to play, he plans to continue sharing the love of Jesus with those who will listen.