Monday night time proved to be a memorable night for Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, each throughout and after the sport.
Within the Lions’ 40-34 conquer the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Bates achieved a big milestone by establishing a brand new franchise file of 135 factors scored in a season, exceeding the earlier mark of 134 set by former kicker Jason Hanson in 2012.
Whereas this record-breaking achievement deserves recognition, it was accompanied by an amusing incident involving Bates. Throughout ESPN’s Monday Night time Soccer broadcast, tv cameras captured the kicker performing some moderately unconventional stretching workout routines on the sidelines.
The preliminary assumption was that the kicker could be coping with a minor bodily difficulty and was making an attempt to heat up earlier than his subsequent subject purpose try. (Joe Buck known as it a “second of Zen.”) The footage rapidly remodeled Bates right into a viral sensation on social media, whereas additionally subjecting him to playful teasing from these closest to him.
“My household and associates are having a subject day with it already. It is enjoyable. I perceive it,” Bates informed Justin Rogers of the Detroit Soccer Community.
Lions lengthy snapper Hogan Hatten joined in on the enjoyable, telling Bates, “I can not consider the media did that to you. I can not consider they broadcasted that.” (George Constanza, the Titanic and loads of NSFW quips are making the social media rounds …)
Addressing the scenario, Bates defined to Rogers that he was completely advantageous and was merely performing his common stretching routine. Throughout Monday’s victory, Bates efficiently transformed each subject purpose makes an attempt, together with a formidable 57-yard kick, although he did miss one additional level and had one other blocked.
