When Jake Bates made a game-winning kick against the Texans in his hometown of Houston on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” the Detroit Lions rookie said his purpose was to spread the love of Jesus.
In an interview just outside the team’s locker room later in the season, the former brick sales trainee said it’s his duty to use his platform as an NFL player to share his religious views.
“I know for a fact that I’m not here without the unconditional love that Jesus gives us and the sacrifice he made on the cross,” Bates recently told The Associated Press.
He’s not alone.
Across the league, players behind podiums and in front of locker stalls praise higher powers during interviews. Among them are quarterbacks Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and Houston’s C.J. Stroud.
“He (Stroud) starts every press conference with: He wouldn’t be here without his lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” Bates said. “What he’s been able to do in the media and spreading Jesus’ love has been awesome to see.”
Bates said he is aware that some on social media say they don’t like his Christian messaging.
“There’s definitely the little tweets of: ‘I wish that would stay out of football,'” Bates said.
But the 25-year-old who played at Arkansas said he’s on a mission.
“I think that’s what I’m here to do. I’m not here to make kicks or miss kicks. I think I’m here to spread the love of Jesus,” Bates said. “So, however long he gives me this stage, that’s what I plan to do.”
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