A general view of an upright. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Star UFL kicker Jake Bates makes 62-yard field-goal attempt

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/7/24

Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates is becoming one of the biggest stars in the UFL.

At the end of the first half against the Birmingham Stallions, Panthers fans started chanting, "We want Bates." Head coach Mike Nolan gave them what they wanted, and he nailed a 62-yard field-goal attempt, cutting the deficit to 17-10.

"WE WANT BATES"

@jakebates30 is a STAR! pic.twitter.com/QFvWuhR3rG
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 7, 2024

JAKE BATES THE GREAT... AGAIN! @jakebates30 nails a 62 yard FG before the half! #LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/zM1FbuXXDz
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 7, 2024

Bates made a 64-yard field goal as time expired in an 18-16 Week 1 win against the St. Louis Battlehawks. If it had been an NFL game, Bates' field goal would've tied for the second-longest in league history. (Ravens kicker Justin Tucker set the record with a 66-yarder against the Detroit Lions in 2021.)

Per Tony Paul of The Detroit News, multiple NFL teams have already inquired about Bates. However, according to John Breech of CBS Sports, his contract may require him to play out the full UFL season, which ends on June 2, before he can sign with an NFL team.

Regardless, don't be surprised if an NFL team signs him this summer.

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