Fromer Brick Salesman Jake Bates Is Winning Over the Masonry World—and the Detroit Lions

The story of Jake Bates, the Detroit Lions’ rookie placekicker, is capturing the hearts of football fans and masons alike. On June 18th, 2024, Bates signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions. Bates was working as a brick salesman in Houston at Acme Brick, trying to make a career in construction while chasing his dream of playing professional football. Now, he's perfect on all 15 of his field-goal attempts in the NFL, including a clutch game-winner against the Houston Texans that slid through the uprights by a mere fraction—about the thickness of a mason’s trowel.

Bates' unlikely journey is particularly resonating with those in the masonry world, like Jim Gendron, sales manager at Fendt Builders' Supply in Farmington Hills. Gendron’s team may sell blocks, not bricks, but they all feel a connection to Bates. "All the masons are rooting for the guy," says Gendron, who knows what it’s like to chase big dreams—he once had an NFL tryout himself, though he chose a different path due to a bad knee.

Fendt's employees aren't just admiring Bates from afar—they’re inspired by him. Marshall Geer, a former bricklayer, says Bates reminds him of Kurt Warner, who famously went from stocking shelves to winning a Super Bowl and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. "It brings it home," Geer says. "These are just regular people, like us."

For Gendron, Bates' success is a lesson in perseverance. "You have to be positive, enthusiastic, and persistent," he says, echoing the coaching philosophy of Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Like Campbell’s approach to football, Gendron believes that success in sales—and in life—is about showing up, working hard, and being ready to seize opportunities when they come your way.

While Bates' future in the NFL looks bright, Gendron is ready to offer him a place in the masonry world if ever needed. "I'll hook him up," Gendron laughs, knowing that Bates’ story is one of small steps, big dreams, and a lot of support from unexpected places.