Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates becomes Internet meme with sultry stretching moves

Last updated: July 6, 2025 1:47 PM

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Monday night proved to be a memorable evening for Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, both during and after the game.

In the Lions’ 40-34 triumph over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Bates achieved a significant milestone by establishing a new franchise record of 135 points scored in a season, exceeding the previous mark of 134 set by former kicker Jason Hanson in 2012.

While this record-breaking achievement deserves recognition, it was accompanied by an amusing incident involving Bates. During ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast, television cameras captured the kicker performing some rather unconventional stretching exercises on the sidelines.

pic.twitter.com/ipoN4d9FaP
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 31, 2024

The initial assumption was that the kicker might be dealing with a minor physical issue and was attempting to warm up before his next field goal attempt. (Joe Buck called it a “moment of Zen.”) The footage quickly transformed Bates into a viral sensation on social media, while also subjecting him to playful teasing from those closest to him.

“My family and friends are having a field day with it already. It’s fun. I understand it,” Bates told Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network.

"My family and friends are having a field day with it already. It's fun. I understand it." — Jake Bates.

For what it's worth, Bates said he's fine, normal stretching.

"I can't believe the media did that to you. I can't believe they broadcasted that." — Hogan Hatten https://t.co/fo4Jv3G5pV
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) December 31, 2024

Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten joined in on the fun, telling Bates, “I can’t believe the media did that to you. I can’t believe they broadcasted that.” (George Constanza, the Titanic and plenty of NSFW quips are making the social media rounds …)

Live look at Jake Bates — pic.twitter.com/aCfckcDG7v
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) December 31, 2024

Jake Bates on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/xQ1xUZSRpu
— Andrew Brennan (@unofficialAB) December 31, 2024

Addressing the situation, Bates explained to Rogers that he was perfectly fine and was simply performing his regular stretching routine. During Monday’s victory, Bates successfully converted both field goal attempts, including an impressive 57-yard kick, though he did miss one extra point and had another blocked.

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