The Detroit Lions are 8-1 for the primary time since 1954.
But their win against the Houston Texans on Sunday didn’t come easy.
On the road, the Lions trailed 23-7 at half-time after Jared Goff threw three interceptions in the primary two quarters – and he threw two more picks within the third.
But Detroit scored 16 straight points and tied the sport with five minutes left when Jake Bates kicked a 58-yard field goal.
He then accomplished Detroit’s stunning comeback by nailing a 52-yard kick to make it 26-23 because the clock ticked to zero.
Lions fans within the stadium – and in living rooms internationally – went crazy as the ultimate kicked sailed just inside the posts.
As too did a bunch of fans within the sky.
Video has surfaced on social media of a plane packed stuffed with Lions fans on their strategy to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Because the flight prepares to make its descent, quite a few passengers might be seen watching the ultimate 4 seconds of the sport from their seats.
Nonetheless, Bates’ game-winning kick is sort of spoiled by a flight attendant making an announcement.
Some passengers are heard groaning because the announcement cuts over the screen, before the attendant realises what’s happening and stops speaking.
The passengers then let loose some cheers and claps as Bates sends the ball through the posts.
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After the video was shared online, it was posted on X by the NFL’s official account with the caption: “Gotta feel for the flight attendant here.”
The story of Detroit’s kicker, a Houston-area native who grew up playing soccer, has captured the eye of NFL fans following his impressive effort.
Bates played college soccer at Central Arkansas, then walked on as a kickoff specialist at Texas State.
He never attempted a field goal in college but earned an invitation to Texans training camp last 12 months.
After eventually getting cut, Bates took a job as a brick salesman.
In December 2023, he tried out for the United Football League, signing with the Michigan Panthers.
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There, he gained a status for having an enormous leg by nailing multiple kicks from 60-plus yards. Following the UFL season, he signed with Detroit.
Bates went from brick salesman to game-winner against the Texans on Sunday, bringing his story full circle in dramatic fashion.
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