On Monday morning, the NFL shared a video capturing the anxious moments of Lions fans aboard a flight, watching the thrilling conclusion of Detroit’s Week 10 game against the Houston Texans. En route from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, the passengers witnessed kicker Jake Bates line up for the game-winning field goal with just four seconds to go in the 4th quarter.
As Bates prepared for his 46-yard attempt, the flight attendant began her usual in-flight announcement. “It’s our pleasure to have you on board tonight…” she started, but the passengers quickly drowned her out with a collective groan. Clearly, nothing was going to interrupt the final moments of a dramatic comeback.
gotta feel for the flight attendant here ðŸ˜
(via hbomm/TT) pic.twitter.com/KTkNB8ohBm
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2024
The attendant wisely paused, allowing the fans to focus on the game. As Bates took the snap, the cabin held its breath. The ball veered left but barely snuck inside the upright, securing a 26-23 victory for Detroit. The plane erupted in cheers as they realized the kick was good.
Bates’ game-winner capped off a remarkable performance, which included two field goals over 50 yards in the last few minutes of the game. He had nailed a career-long 58-yarder earlier, tying the game at 23 with just over five minutes to go.
Bates’ path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. A former soccer player and brick salesman in Houston, he earned his shot with the Lions after a standout season with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. Now, 10 weeks into his first NFL season, Bates has proven himself a reliable kicker in clutch situations.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell presented Bates with a game ball in recognition of his clutch performance. With his two long kicks, including the game-winner, Bates helped the Lions improve to 8-1, continuing their dominant season.