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.
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.
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 …)
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.
LINK LOVE
 |  |  |
| Ryan Murphy is mad that everyone hates his version of JFK Jr & Carolyn Bessette (Celebitchy) | The maddening twist ending to ‘We Were Liars’ explained (Pajiba) | Now Brad Pitt Is wearing a jumpsuit (Go Fug Yourself) |
 |  |  |
| A newly-out Anna Camp and her girlfriend Jade Whipkey make their red carpet (OMG Blog) | The frisky guys of Too Hot to Handle: Spain, handle it themselves (Boy Culture) | Zane Carter in Burberry trunks (Kenneth in the 212) |
HOT DEALS
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation featuring a totally transformed audio experience with Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode, and an updated fit for all-day comfort. [Walmart]
New Balance Gender Inclusive Made in USA 990v6 Sneaker
A best-selling runner keeps up the pace as a crossover street sneaker sporting the performance cushioning and streamlined profile that have maintained its status as an all-time winner. [Nordstrom Rack]
Like most websites, Socialite Life uses affiliate links where available, which means we earn a little commission if you click through and buy something. Also, as Amazon Influencers, we earn from qualifying purchases. Savings shown are those from the date and time of this article’s publication.
