The Detroit Lions are 8-1 for the primary time since 1954.
However their win towards the Houston Texans on Sunday did not come straightforward.
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On the street, the Lions trailed 23-7 at half-time after Jared Goff threw three interceptions within the first two quarters – and he threw two extra picks within the third.
However Detroit scored 16 straight factors and tied the sport with 5 minutes left when Jake Bates kicked a 58-yard area objective.
He then accomplished Detroit’s gorgeous comeback by nailing a 52-yard kick to make it 26-23 because the clock ticked to zero.
Lions followers within the stadium – and in dwelling rooms internationally – went loopy as the ultimate kicked sailed simply inside the posts.
As too did a bunch of followers within the sky.
Video has surfaced on social media of a airplane packed filled with Lions followers on their technique to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Because the flight prepares to make its descent, a lot of passengers will be seen watching the ultimate 4 seconds of the sport from their seats.
Nevertheless, Bates’ game-winning kick is nearly spoiled by a flight attendant making an announcement.
Some passengers are heard groaning because the announcement cuts over the display, earlier than the attendant realises what’s occurring and stops talking.
The passengers then set free some cheers and claps as Bates sends the ball by way of the posts.
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After the video was shared on-line, it was posted on X by the NFL’s official account with the caption: “Gotta really feel for the flight attendant right here.”
The story of Detroit’s kicker, a Houston-area native who grew up enjoying soccer, has captured the eye of NFL followers following his spectacular effort.
Bates performed faculty soccer at Central Arkansas, then walked on as a kickoff specialist at Texas State.
He by no means tried a area objective in faculty however earned an invitation to Texans coaching camp final yr.
After ultimately getting reduce, Bates took a job as a brick salesman.
In December 2023, he tried out for the United Soccer League, signing with the Michigan Panthers.
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There, he gained a repute for having a giant leg by nailing a number of kicks from 60-plus yards. Following the UFL season, he signed with Detroit.
Bates went from brick salesman to game-winner towards the Texans on Sunday, bringing his story full circle in dramatic trend.
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