Justin Tucker is still considered the best kicker in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens. Back in 2021, the All-Pro set a new NFL record at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions when his 66-yard field not only gave Baltimore the win but set a new league record.
Tucker's historical dominance at kicks over 50 yards is well documented. To connect from 60+ allowed him to stand alone in history.
Until perhaps Saturday evening, for a league that just had it's first games.
The United Football League (UFL), a merging spring league of the new removed XFL and USFL, opened up the first season Saturday afternoon. In the final game of the day between the Michigan Panthers and St. Louis Battlehawks, rookie kicker Jake Bates attempted a 64-yard field goal at Ford Field to win the game for his Panthers.
Like Tucker before him, Bates nailed the kick to get the win for his team. Arguably the more impressive part of his game-winning kick was the fact that the attempt was the first one Bates had made since high school.
Tucker has had a far more rich history as the league's best kicker than Bates, but it's certainly impressive to see a spring league player almost match one of the NFL's most impressive record. 4
Bates may not be in the UFL for very long if he continues to perform like he did on Satu
