Jake Bates kicks winner as Detroit Lions improve to 8-1 - ESPN

HOUSTON — Nineteen months ago, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates was training to be a salesman in Houston at the Acme Brick company and thought his NFL dream was over. On Sunday night, he celebrated a 52-yard walk-off field goal to help the Lions overcome a 16-point deficit and beat the Texans 26-23.

«I just don't deserve this,» said Bates, who spent last season with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL. «I was a soccer player growing up, I idolized football players in the NFL and all that stuff and just to be here is surreal. I'm still finding myself kind of pinching myself. I'm so grateful for all the doors that the Lord's opened for me.»

Bates, a native of Tomball, Texas, also nailed a 58-yard field goal with 5:01 remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 23-23. That was the third-longest field goal in team history.

Those clutch field goals were pivotal in Detroit's victory on a night when Lions quarterback Jared Goff also threw a career-high five interceptions.

After helping the Lions improve to 8-1 for the first time since 1954, Bates struggled to find the words to describe the experience, but his teammates were certainly impressed.

«I was like holding on. I was just like, 'Please, please, please,'» said Lions cornerback Carlton Davis, who logged two interceptions. «Because they are a good team, and you don't want to give them too many chances to get back in the game, and he iced the game for us. He did his job and I'm so happy for him.»

In Week 7 at Minnesota, Bates' game-winning 44-yard field goal also led the Lions to a divisional victory. He has made all 14 field goals he has attempted this season.

In the waning seconds at Houston, as Bates trotted onto the field at NRG Stadium for the decisive kick, Goff