Jake Bates Named NFC Player of the Month

Jake Bates, the rookie kicker for the Detroit Lions, has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November, marking a historic achievement as the first time in franchise history that the Lions have had players win this award in all three phases in the same season. Bates was 8-for-9 on field goals, including a crucial 58-yarder to tie the game and a 52-yarder to win against the Houston Texans. He becomes the first Lions kicker to earn this accolade since Matt Prater in 2017. Additionally, quarterback Jared Goff has been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his philanthropic efforts, representing the Lions' strong presence in the league this season. This recognition comes after Aidan Hutchinson was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September and Goff won the Offensive Player of the Month in October. The Lions' special teams have seen a resurgence with Bates’ performance, contributing significantly to the team's overall success this season.