You just never know what you’re going to see on the sideline during an NFL game, and that held true during the Detroit Lions’ Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers when kicker Jake Bates was spotted laying down on the sideline.
The video of Bates was shown during the fourth quarter, and it saw him laying down on the ground, but the reason why wasn’t clear at first. It was then reported on the broadcast that Bates was working through a minor injury.
Thankfully, the injury isn’t serious, as evidenced by Bates coming in moments later to kick a 42-yard field goal, which was good. The successful attempt was Bates’ second of the game after he casually drilled a 57-yard field goal earlier in the contest.
Here’s a look at the photo that had the internet in a frenzy.
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 31, 2024
After seeing Bates in the awkward position, the internet had its fun with the photo.
— John Whiticar (@Whiticar) December 31, 2024
Live look at Jake Bates — pic.twitter.com/aCfckcDG7v
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) December 31, 2024
Lions kicker, Jake Bates on Monday Night Football:
“I want you to draw me like one of your French girls.” pic.twitter.com/VFBdhCpBti
— Dr. Lös Real Polyamorous Tantric Sex Guru (@LosRealAli) December 31, 2024
The first thing that popped into my mind was the Seinfeld episode with George Costanza having photos taken of him on a couch. I’m glad someone connected the dots on that one.
After the game, Bates revealed that his family is already having fun with the photo, and he’s enjoying the hilarious responses.
“My family and friends are having a field day with it already,” Bates said, per Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network. “It’s fun. I understand it.”
Bates added that his pose was just him stretching and that he’s fine physically, so that’s great news.
Bates has been having a sensational season. After his second field goal on Monday, Bates is now 25-of-28 on the season, with six of his makes coming from 50-plus yards.
Bates have been everything the Lions could’ve hoped for, and then some — and now he has created a meme, also.
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