Jake Bates was a soccer player in Tomball, Texas. He played soccer for two years at the University of Central Arkansas, until he became a kicker for the football team. Being a backup player, he never saw the field. So he transferred to Texas State University. Again, he was the backup kicker, and never kicked in a game. So after two years, Jake transferred to the University of Arkansas, where he did kickoffs, but was never given a chance to kick field goals.
In 2023, he tried out for the Houston Texans but was cut. So he signed with the upstart Michigan Panthers of the new United Football League, which was starved for players. That is when his dream came true.
On Easter Sunday, 2024, he got his chance on the last play of the game. With his team trailing by two points, he was sent in to attempt a ridiculously long 64-yard field goal on the last play of the game – his first field goal attempt on any level.
He made it.
“All credit goes to God,” he said. “I praise Jesus for his resurrection and for second chances.”
God is pro-second chances.
Recovery Step: The same Book that says, “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11), stands ready to give you a second chance. So go ahead. Take the field. History awaits.
