Tomball, Texas’ Jake Bates’ parents, Jonathan Bates and Mariana Meyer, played a significant role in his journey, and they take pride in their son’s achievements.
His parents’ celebration of his achievements highlights the importance of family support in reaching one’s goals.
Highlights
- Jake Bates was raised by his parents, Jonathan Bates and Mariana Meyer, along with his three brothers: Jordan, Cole, and Travis.
- Jonathan worked for Patterson Dental for over 26 years before joining Dental Health Products (DHP) in May 2018.
- Jake’s parent’s pride in their children’s accomplishments speaks volumes about their significant role in their journey.
Jake Bates played soccer at Central Arkansas in 2017 and 2018 before transferring to Texas State to play college football in 2020.
He only handled kickoffs and transferred to Arkansas in 2022, where he was named first-team All-SEC as a kickoff specialist.
Jake was undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft and signed with the Houston Texans on July 31, 2023.
However, he was released from the Texans within a month and joined the Michigan Panthers of the UFL on December 25, 2023.
During week 1 of the 2024 UFL season, he made the longest 64-yard field goal in the history of the UFL and its predecessor leagues. The Pro Football Hall of Fame displayed the ball in its “Pro Football Today” exhibit.
Moreover, he was one of only two UFL players to make an NFL 53-man roster out of 77 who participated in the NFL’s 2024 preseason.
On June 18, 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions and was awarded NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week.
Jake Bates’ Parents’ Unwavering Support Remains A Cornerstone Of His Success
Jake Bates, the son of Jonathan Bates and Mariana Meyer, was born on March 3, 1999, in Tomball, Texas. His parents raised him alongside his three siblings, Jordan, Cole, and Travis.
His siblings shared an athletic drive and strong family values. They had a unique bond in football and often practiced with Jonathan.
The three 60+ yard field goals made by Jake Bates of @TheUFL's @USFLPanthers this season are more than any #NFL kicker has in a single season. And Bates had NEVER made a field goal…at any level…before this year.
— Adam Winkler (@Adam_M_Winkler) May 23, 2024
Our @abc13houston feature on Jake: https://t.co/HWWkpny7kw pic.twitter.com/Edvh63kHXz
Jonathan is a man of many talents and pursued rodeo, competing in calf-roping and team-roping events during college.
He studied at Sam Houston before transferring to Texas Tech University, where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in agricultural business and management.
Later, he earned an Agricultural Business degree from Texas State University and worked as an equipment manager at Patterson Dental in February 1991.
Jonathan worked there for over 26 years before joining Dental Health Products in May 2018.
On the other hand, Mariana Meyer graduated from Texas A&M University in 1987. She hails from Mount Pleasant, Texas, and carries a sense of Texas pride wherever she goes.
She remained close to her hometown roots and maintained strong family values. Moreover, she is proud of her children and shares glimpses of their personal lives on social media.
Nontheless, the Detroit Lions placekicker grew up in a Christian household and shares a close bond with his parents and three brothers.
Jake Bates Three Brothers Shares A Competitive Spirits
The Bates family has a close-knit bond, as seen in their mother’s social media posts. Their familiar bond and dedication to each other’s successes are evident in every milestone.
Moreover, their family highlights the values of a strong foundation, support, determination, and pride in one another’s pursuits.
Jake’s brother, Jordan Bates, showcased his athletic talent in soccer at the University of Central Arkansas. He majored in business administration and served as the Director of Soccer Operations.
Later, in March 2020, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an equipment specialist at Dental Health Products (DHP).
Likewise, Jake’s other brother, Coleman Bates, graduated from Texas Tech University in 2020 with a marketing and management degree.
After graduating, he served as a territory manager at Digital Doc in August 2020 and became a business development manager at Yellowstone Landscape in April 2023.
Moreover, he was a territory sales representative at DHP before becoming territory sales manager at Turtlebox Audio in March 2024.
On the other hand, Jake’s younger brother, Travis Bates, is an accomplished athlete playing for the Kansas State University football team.
Nontheless, Jonathan Bates and Mariana Meyer’s pride in their children’s accomplishments speaks volumes about their significant role in their journey.
Additional Information
- Jake Bates worked as a brick salesman at Acme Brick in Northwest Houston.
- On June 5, 2024, he was named to the 2024 All-UFL team and signed with an NFL team after his contract was terminated on June 17, 2024.
- He is engaged to Presley Folkerts, and they will marry on March 1, 2015, in Hockley, Texas, in front of their friends and family.
- His two-year contract with the Detroit Lions is worth $1,980,000, including a $100,000 signing bonus, $150,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $990,000.
