Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, who managed to make a game-winning kick during a Sunday Night Football game, took an opportunity during an interview with NBC to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with millions of viewers across the country and even the world. This is what it means to be a disciple of the Lord and to use the platform He gives you for His glory and to see souls saved.
https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1855832077343625676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This win against the Houston Texans was a huge one and it all came about because of Bates. He could have taken the opportunity during the post-game interview to celebrate and pump himself up, but he chose not to do that, instead, focusing on Christ. It became evident in that moment that Bates’ priorities were absolutely in the right place, with God first and foremost in His life.
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In one of NBC’s far less controversial post-game segments, interviewer Melissa Stark spoke to Bates and cornerback Carlton Davis, who notched a pair of crucial interceptions against standout Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
“Jake, I’m going to start with you,” Stark said at the beginning of the interview. “Both of those field goals, including the game-winner just made it. How nerve-wracking was that?”
A somewhat shy Bates replied, “I put them a little too close to the post for comfort, but luckily, they went in. I mean [punter/holder Jack Fox] and [long snapper Hogan Hatten] are so good. We work so hard. So I have so much confidence in the operation and the line protecting [me]. I’m just happy to do my job today.”
Of note, neither of Bates’ kicks were easy, as he sank a 58- and 52-yard field goal en route to the big win. It’s at this point that Stark asked about the crazy backstory Bates has—and the kicker answered perfectly.
“And just recently, you were a brick salesman, you thought you were out of football, what does this mean to you to come back and do this in your hometown area?” Stark asked the kicker.
“Yeah, I mean, I think it just shows how good the Lord is,” Bates said right off the bat. “He’s so faithful. And I mean my story is, if anything, I just hope people can see Jesus through my story.
“I mean, that’s what I think I’m here to do. It’s not make or miss or being a good kicker or a bad kicker, but spread the love of Jesus. Hopefully I’m able to do that on the stage I’m given,” Bates concluded.
As soon as Bates talked about the love of Christ, NBC cut away from the interview. Was that a slight because they didn’t want to highlight the guy talking about Jesus? That’s possible. We all know the current world system, which includes professional sports, is saturated in sin and tries to avoid anything that gives God glory or points to His authority over all creation.
Bates’ remarks highlight something that the establishment media will never tell you about the NFL: Many of its top stars are unabashedly proud Christians. And that includes stars past and present—like aforementioned standout quarterback and former league MVP Kurt Warner.
Just like Bates, Warner was living a pretty nondescript life before a second shot at professional football. Warner was cut by the Green Bay Packers in 1994 and briefly went into a career as a supermarket clerk, before a second shot at the NFL produced a Hall of Fame-caliber career. But perhaps more importantly, just like Bates, Warner has been a proud and vocal Christian throughout this journey.
Let’s pray that God rewards Bates for his faithfulness by giving him a huge platform to promote the love of Jesus Christ and see souls saved.