The Detroit Lions secured a dramatic Thursday Night Football victory against the Green Bay Packers with a clutch field goal by Jake Bates, a former brick salesman from Houston, Texas. Bates’ decisive kick sealed a 34-31 win at Ford Field, maintaining the Lions’ push for the NFC’s top seed.
This triumph improved Detroit’s record to 12-1, marking one of their most significant wins this season. The Lions now prepare to host Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in a challenging matchup next Sunday, considered one of their toughest remaining games in the 2024-2025 regular season.
After the game, amid celebrations in the locker room, Bates shared a heartfelt message with his teammates.
“All the stats you need is, he won the freakin’ game again,” coach Dan Campbell exclaimed before presenting Bates with the game ball.
Bates kept his remarks short, speaking after game ball recipients Tim Patrick and quarterback Jared Goff.
“Hey. Hey, I freakin’ love you guys, man. Let’s get thirteen next week,” said Bates, who previously played for the USFL’s Michigan Panthers.
The Lions face the Bills at 4:25 p.m. ET at Ford Field, seeking revenge for a narrow 28-25 loss to Buffalo in 2022 at the same venue.
This story originally appeared on Athlon Sports and is republished with permission.
