The United Football League has kicked off its season with a lot of excitement, and the Michigan Panthers kicker, Jake Bates, has been a standout player in the first two weeks. Bates wowed fans by making a 62-yard field goal in a game against the Birmingham Stallions, just a week after hitting a 64-yard game-winning field goal against the St. Louis BattleHawks. His impressive skills have even attracted some NFL buzz, with Panthers head coach Mike Nolan cautioning teams to stay away from trying to sign Bates during the season.
Nolan emphasized that it is important for outside teams and agents to respect the UFL players and not interfere with their contracts during the season. He expressed his desire to see Bates succeed and potentially make it to the NFL, but noted that contacting players under contract with UFL teams is against the rules. Despite the rumors of interest from outside parties, Nolan made it clear that he is focused on helping Bates perform well in the UFL and keeping distractions at bay.
During the UFL season, NFL teams are allowed to contact UFL teams about potential signings after the season ends, but cannot approach players currently under contract or discuss the player with their agent. The UFL Championship is scheduled for June 16, giving players like Bates the opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially attract interest from NFL teams once the season concludes. Bates’ journey to the UFL has been marked by his transition from soccer to football and his standout performances in college football before joining the professional league.
Bates’ background in soccer and his success on the field at Central Arkansas and Texas State have shaped his career as a football kicker. Despite going undrafted in the NFL in 2023, Bates has continued to hone his skills and was eventually signed by the Michigan Panthers in December. His remarkable 64-yard field goal in the UFL ranks as the second longest in professional football history, highlighting his talent and potential for a successful future in the sport. Fans can stay updated on the latest sports news by following Fox News Digital’s coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
