Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Jake Bates is an American professional football player who plays kicker for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 3, 1999, Bates grew up in Tomball, Texas, before playing college soccer at the University of Central Arkansas and college football at Texas State University and the University of Arkansas.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bates comes from a close-knit family with strong connections to sports. He is married to Presley Folkerts Bates, his longtime romantic partner and former high school sweetheart. His parents are Jonathan and Mariana Bates, and he has three brothers: Jordan, Coleman and Travis Bates.
His family has supported his unconventional journey from competitive soccer to professional football, including the period when he worked as a brick salesman before earning an opportunity with the Detroit Lions.
Here is everything publicly known about Jake Bates’s family, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.
Jake Bates’s Wife: Who Is Presley Folkerts Bates?
Jake Bates is married to Presley Folkerts Bates, a speech-language pathologist from Texas.
The couple have known each other since childhood and developed a romantic relationship while attending Tomball High School.
According to a January 2025 article published by the Detroit Free Press, Jake first met Presley when she entered his fifth-grade homeroom classroom.
Although they were young at the time, the two remained acquainted as they continued their education.
They eventually began dating during their sophomore year at Tomball High School.
However, their relationship did not remain continuous after graduation.
Jake pursued college soccer and later football, while Presley concentrated on her university education and professional career.
The couple subsequently reconnected and eventually decided to build a future together.
How Did Jake Bates and Presley Folkerts Meet?
Jake Bates and Presley Folkerts first met in elementary school in Tomball, Texas.
According to their wedding story, which was discussed by Detroit Free Press journalist Neal Rubin, Presley entered Jake’s fifth-grade homeroom class.
They attended school in the same community and later developed a romantic relationship as teenagers.
The couple began dating during their sophomore year of high school.
After graduation, their lives followed different paths.
Jake accepted an opportunity to play college soccer at the University of Central Arkansas, while Presley pursued her studies.
They eventually ended their teenage relationship.
However, the separation did not permanently end their connection.
According to reporting published by EssentiallySports in November 2025, the two reconnected at a mutual friend’s engagement celebration in February 2022.
The meeting allowed them to renew their friendship and eventually resume their romantic relationship.
When Did Jake Bates and Presley Folkerts Get Engaged?
Jake Bates and Presley Folkerts became engaged in July 2024.
The engagement occurred shortly after Bates signed with the Detroit Lions following his successful season with the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the couple took engagement photographs on July 13, 2024.
At the time, Bates was still competing to establish himself as Detroit’s regular kicker.
Although his football future remained uncertain, the couple were already planning their marriage.
Their relationship attracted additional public attention as Bates became one of the Lions’ most recognizable players during the 2024 season.
When Did Jake Bates Get Married?
Jake Bates married Presley Folkerts on March 1, 2025, in Hockley, Texas.
The wedding date and location were reported by the Detroit Free Press in January 2025 after the couple created a public wedding registry through The Knot.
Subsequent reporting in November 2025 confirmed that the couple had married in March.
The wedding took place during the NFL offseason, allowing Bates to celebrate with relatives and close friends before returning to professional football activities.
Following their marriage, Presley began publicly using the name Presley Bates.
The couple subsequently traveled to England for their honeymoon.
Jake Bates and Presley’s Honeymoon in England
After their wedding, Jake and Presley traveled to England for their honeymoon.
According to EssentiallySports, the couple explored the countryside, visited restaurants and enjoyed recreational activities together.
One of their most memorable experiences involved attending a Manchester United football match at Old Trafford.
The visit had a special connection to Jake’s sporting background because he had previously pursued a career in competitive soccer.
Although he eventually became an NFL kicker, his interest in soccer remained an important part of his life.
The honeymoon provided an opportunity for the couple to celebrate their marriage while enjoying a sport Jake had played for many years.
What Does Presley Folkerts Bates Do for a Living?
Presley Bates is a speech-language pathologist.
According to the Detroit Free Press, she specializes in working with children who experience communication-related difficulties.
Her professional responsibilities involve evaluating and helping patients with speech, language and related developmental challenges.
Presley pursued higher education at Texas A&M University and Baylor University.
Her academic studies prepared her for a professional career in speech-language pathology.
Although her professional background has been reported, reliable public sources provide limited information about her current employer and specific workplace.
She has also maintained an interest in supporting her husband’s football career.
Jake Bates Said Getting Married Was Better Than a Game-Winning Kick
On October 25, 2026, Jake Bates kicked a 22-yard field goal as time expired to give the Detroit Lions a 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The dramatic finish provided another memorable moment in his professional career.
After the game, Detroit News journalist Richard Silva asked Bates whether anything could compare to the excitement of making a game-winning field goal.
According to reporting published by Athlon Sports on October 26, Bates paused for approximately ten seconds before answering that getting married was even better.
His response offered a public glimpse into the importance of his marriage.
It also demonstrated that, despite his professional success, significant personal milestones remain especially meaningful to him.
Jake Bates’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Jake Bates has no publicly confirmed children.
Although he married Presley Folkerts in March 2025, reliable public reporting has not established whether the couple have welcomed a son or daughter.
His official Detroit Lions biography does not identify any children, and the credible interviews reviewed do not document a birth announcement.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to claim that Bates is a father without additional verified information.
His current family life is publicly documented primarily through his marriage to Presley and his relationships with his parents and brothers.
Jake Bates’s Parents: Meet Jonathan and Mariana Bates
Jake Bates was raised by his parents, Jonathan Bates and Mariana Bates, in Tomball, Texas.
Both parents are identified in his official University of Arkansas and Texas State University football biographies.
The family has a strong athletic background, with several children participating in competitive sports.
Jonathan previously competed in rodeo events, while Mariana supported her sons’ development in soccer and football.
Their encouragement helped Jake pursue an unconventional route to the NFL.
Jake Bates’s Father: Who Is Jonathan Bates?
Jonathan Bates is Jake Bates’s father and a former rodeo competitor.
According to reporting cited by EssentiallySports in November 2025, Jonathan participated in rodeo activities during college at Sam Houston State University and Texas State University.
He also reportedly competed professionally for a brief period.
Jonathan’s sporting background contributed to an environment where athletic competition was an important part of family life.
His sons subsequently pursued competitive soccer, football and other sports.
Jonathan was also a supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, a notable connection given that Jake eventually joined another NFL franchise.
Although his athletic background is publicly documented, reliable reporting provides limited information about his current occupation and other personal details.
How Jonathan Bates Supported His Son’s NFL Journey
Jonathan Bates remained an important supporter throughout Jake’s development from college soccer player to professional football kicker.
In June 2024, Jake discussed his family’s experiences attending Michigan Panthers games during an interview with Sports Illustrated.
He explained that his parents and brothers regularly attended games and enjoyed interacting with football supporters.
When he began receiving attention for his performances with the Panthers, his relatives followed the growing excitement surrounding his career.
Jake explained that their positive experiences helped him appreciate how much the Detroit football community supported him.
The family’s involvement continued after the Lions signed him in June 2024.
Jake Bates’s Mother: Who Is Mariana Bates?
Mariana Bates is Jake Bates’s mother and an important figure in his athletic development.
Her identity is confirmed in the official University of Arkansas and Texas State University football biographies.
According to reporting published by EssentiallySports, Mariana attended Texas A&M University.
She has publicly discussed her son’s development as a competitive soccer player and his eventual transition to American football.
During Jake’s childhood, Mariana supported his participation in organized youth soccer.
As he progressed into academy football, she followed his performances and encouraged him to develop his abilities.
Her interest in soccer became particularly important during the years when Jake considered pursuing the sport professionally.
Mariana Bates Believed Jake Could Become a Professional Soccer Player
Before joining the NFL, Jake Bates was an accomplished soccer player.
He spent part of his youth playing for Texans SC, a competitive soccer club in the Houston area.
During that period, he was teammates with Chris Richards, who later became a United States men’s national soccer team defender.
According to a November 2025 article published by EssentiallySports, Mariana believed Jake possessed the technical understanding necessary to compete at a high level.
She acknowledged that Richards had advantages in speed and athleticism but praised her son’s ability to read the game and position himself effectively.
Jake’s soccer background eventually helped him develop the kicking skills required for American football.
Although he pursued a different professional sport, the coordination and technique developed during his soccer career remained valuable.
Mariana Bates Was Nervous During Her Son’s NFL Kicks
Jake Bates has also discussed his mother’s emotional reactions during important football moments.
After kicking a game-winning field goal against the Minnesota Vikings on October 20, 2024, Bates reflected on the pressure associated with high-stakes situations.
According to an interview published by 97.1 The Ticket, he joked that his mother’s heart rate was probably higher than his during the decisive kick.
He also mentioned that she had become increasingly nervous while watching Jake and his younger brother compete in football.
The comments provided another example of Mariana’s emotional investment in her sons’ athletic careers.
Jake Bates’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jake Bates has three brothers: Jordan Bates, Coleman Bates and Travis Bates.
Their identities are confirmed in the official University of Arkansas football biography.
Additional confirmation appears in the 2026 Kansas State University biography of Travis Bates, which identifies his three older brothers as Jordan, Coleman and Jake.
All four brothers grew up in a family where sports played an important role.
Jordan Bates: Jake Bates’s Oldest Brother
Jordan Bates is Jake Bates’s oldest brother and a former college soccer player.
According to the University of Arkansas’s official biography, Jordan played soccer at the University of Central Arkansas.
He subsequently served as the university’s director of soccer operations.
His involvement in the program influenced Jake’s decision to attend Central Arkansas.
During a February 2025 interview published by Tomball Independent School District, Jake explained that he grew up attending his brother’s college soccer games.
Those experiences made Central Arkansas an appealing destination when he began considering universities.
Jake eventually followed Jordan to the same institution, where he played college soccer before changing sports.
How Jordan Bates Influenced Jake’s College Decision
Jake Bates grew up admiring his older brother’s accomplishments at Central Arkansas.
During his childhood, he attended matches and became familiar with the university’s soccer program.
According to Tomball Independent School District, Jake had long hoped to play college soccer and appreciated the opportunity to join a program where his brother had already competed.
He eventually earned a soccer scholarship to Central Arkansas after graduating from Tomball High School in 2017.
He played two seasons for the Bears before pursuing American football.
The connection demonstrates how Jordan helped influence the early direction of Jake’s athletic career.
Coleman Bates: Jake Bates’s Brother
Coleman Bates, also known as Cole, is another of Jake Bates’s older brothers.
His full name is confirmed in the official Kansas State University football biography of their younger brother Travis.
According to a family profile published by EssentiallySports, Cole is approximately 18 months older than Jake.
He participated in organized youth soccer before Jake began developing his own interest in the sport.
One of Jake’s earliest soccer experiences reportedly occurred when he accompanied his family to watch Cole compete in a YMCA soccer game.
Jake wanted to participate and eventually joined the activity as a goalkeeper.
Years later, the brothers also attended a Texas A&M soccer camp together.
According to the report, Jake joined a group of older players because he wanted to compete alongside Cole.
These experiences helped build the competitive mentality that eventually contributed to his professional football career.
Although Cole’s involvement in childhood soccer is publicly documented, reliable sources provide limited information about his current occupation and personal life.
Travis Bates: Jake Bates’s Younger Brother
Travis David Bates is Jake Bates’s younger brother and a college football defensive end.
He was born on November 3, 2003, in Tomball, Texas.
Like Jake, Travis attended Tomball High School and participated in competitive athletics.
However, the brothers developed different football specializations.
Jake became a kicker, while Travis concentrated on defensive line play.
After high school, Travis joined Austin Peay State University.
He subsequently transferred to Kansas State University, where he continued developing as a defensive end.
Travis Bates’s College Football Career at Kansas State
According to Kansas State University’s official biography, Travis played 10 games with nine starts at Austin Peay during the 2023 season.
He recorded 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two passes defended.
His performances earned Freshman All-American recognition from Phil Steele.
Travis transferred to Kansas State for the 2024 season.
He appeared in all 13 games that year and recorded 13 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
In 2025, he appeared in 12 games, recording 20 tackles and two sacks while earning Academic All-Big 12 recognition.
According to Kansas State, Travis graduated in May 2026 with a degree in kinesiology.
He subsequently began pursuing an MBA certificate while continuing his college football career.
As of now, Travis remains on Kansas State’s 2026 football roster.
Jake Bates and Travis Bates Both Experience Football Pressure
Although Jake and Travis play different positions, both have experienced the pressure associated with competitive football.
Jake has discussed how watching their performances can be stressful for their mother, Mariana.
Meanwhile, Travis has publicly discussed his family’s support during his college career.
In an August 2025 interview with Kansas State Athletics, Travis described how he traditionally waved to his parents before games.
He explained that he would miss that routine when the Wildcats traveled to Dublin, Ireland, because his parents could not attend.
The story demonstrates how both brothers maintain connections to their parents while pursuing athletic careers away from home.
How Jake Bates’s Family Influenced His Soccer Career
Jake Bates grew up in Tomball, Texas, where he participated in organized soccer from an early age.
He attended Rosehill Elementary School, Tomball Intermediate School, Tomball Junior High School and Tomball High School.
According to a February 2025 feature published by Tomball Independent School District, Jake had dreamed of playing college soccer throughout childhood.
He developed into a standout player and earned several high school athletic honors.
During his senior season, he was named District 20-5A Offensive Most Valuable Player.
His performances helped him earn a soccer scholarship to the University of Central Arkansas.
There, he competed in 36 games across two seasons.
In 2018, Bates scored the decisive goal against Missouri State that helped Central Arkansas secure another Missouri Valley Conference championship.
His performances earned national recognition and demonstrated his ability to succeed in important sporting moments.
Jake Bates’s Transition From Soccer to Football
Although Bates initially planned to pursue soccer, his athletic career eventually took a different direction.
After two seasons at Central Arkansas, he began exploring opportunities in American football.
He transferred to Texas State University, where he joined the football program as a kickoff specialist.
During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Bates handled kickoffs rather than attempting regular field goals.
In 2020, he recorded 32 touchbacks on 60 kickoffs.
He improved during the 2021 season, producing 35 touchbacks on 53 attempts.
His performances attracted attention from Arkansas, where he transferred for his final college season.
Jake Bates’s College Football Career at Arkansas
Jake Bates joined the University of Arkansas football program for the 2022 season.
According to the university’s official biography, he became one of the Southeastern Conference’s most productive kickoff specialists.
He led the conference with 64 touchbacks and averaged 64.47 yards per kickoff.
His touchback percentage of 85.3 percent ranked first nationally.
His performances earned First-Team All-SEC recognition from the conference’s coaches.
Despite his strong kicking ability, Bates had not attempted a field goal during a college football game.
That unusual background presented challenges as he attempted to enter professional football.
Jake Bates Worked as a Brick Salesman Before Reaching the NFL
After completing his college football career, Jake Bates attempted to earn an NFL opportunity.
However, his lack of experience kicking field goals made it difficult to secure a regular position.
He briefly joined the Houston Texans in 2023 but was released before the regular season.
Without an NFL contract, Bates began working for Acme Brick in the Houston area.
He worked as a brick salesman while continuing to pursue opportunities in professional football.
His unconventional career path eventually changed when he signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League.
In March 2024, Bates made a 64-yard field goal against the St. Louis Battlehawks.
The kick became the longest successful field goal in UFL history and attracted widespread national attention.
He subsequently demonstrated that his powerful leg could help him compete professionally.
His performances with the Panthers eventually earned him an NFL contract with the Detroit Lions.
Jake Bates’s NFL Career With the Detroit Lions
On June 18, 2024, the Detroit Lions signed Jake Bates to a two-year contract.
He earned the team’s starting kicker position during training camp and made his NFL regular-season debut in September.
During his rookie season, Bates connected on 26 of 29 field-goal attempts and made 64 extra points.
He finished the season with 142 points, establishing a Detroit Lions franchise record.
His achievements earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition twice.
He was also named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November 2024.
Jake Bates’s Memorable Game-Winning Field Goals
One of Bates’s first major NFL moments occurred on October 20, 2024, against the Minnesota Vikings.
He kicked a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to give Detroit a 31-29 victory.
Three weeks later, he produced another memorable performance against the Houston Texans.
On November 10, 2024, Bates made a 58-yard field goal to tie the game before converting a 52-yard attempt as time expired.
Detroit secured a 26-23 victory after recovering from a substantial deficit.
The performance demonstrated his ability to remain composed during high-pressure moments.
His success continued in subsequent seasons, although he experienced some difficult games during 2025.
Jake Bates’s 2026 Season With Detroit
As of now, Jake Bates remains the starting kicker for the Detroit Lions, wearing jersey number 39.
He continued contributing important field goals during the 2026 season.
On October 25, 2026, he converted a 22-yard attempt as time expired to defeat the Green Bay Packers 20-17.
The victory provided another memorable moment for the kicker and his family.
Following the game, Bates described getting married as an experience even more meaningful than making a decisive field goal.
His response highlighted the importance of his personal life alongside his professional football achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Bates’s Family
Who is Jake Bates’s wife?
Jake Bates is married to Presley Folkerts Bates, a speech-language pathologist and his former high school sweetheart from Tomball, Texas.
When did Jake Bates get married?
Jake Bates married Presley Folkerts on March 1, 2025, in Hockley, Texas, according to their wedding plans reported by the Detroit Free Press and subsequent coverage confirming their marriage.
How did Jake Bates meet his wife?
Jake first met Presley in fifth grade. They later dated during their sophomore year at Tomball High School and reconnected in 2022 after pursuing separate careers.
What does Jake Bates’s wife do?
Presley Bates is a speech-language pathologist who has worked with children. She studied at Texas A&M University and Baylor University.
Does Jake Bates have children?
As of now, Jake Bates has no publicly confirmed children.
Who is Jake Bates’s father?
Jake Bates’s father is Jonathan Bates, a former rodeo competitor who participated in college athletics at Sam Houston State and Texas State.
Who is Jake Bates’s mother?
His mother is Mariana Bates, who attended Texas A&M University and supported her son’s development in soccer and football.
How many siblings does Jake Bates have?
Jake Bates has three brothers: Jordan Bates, Coleman Bates and Travis Bates.
Who is Jake Bates’s older brother Jordan?
Jordan Bates is Jake’s oldest brother. He played soccer at the University of Central Arkansas and later served as the university’s director of soccer operations.
Who is Coleman Bates?
Coleman Bates, also known as Cole, is one of Jake’s older brothers. He participated in youth soccer and helped introduce Jake to the sport.
Who is Travis Bates?
Travis Bates is Jake’s younger brother and a defensive end at Kansas State University. He previously played college football at Austin Peay State University.
Where is Jake Bates from?
Jake Bates grew up in Tomball, Texas, where he attended Tomball High School before playing college soccer and football.
How old is Jake Bates?
Jake Bates was born on March 3, 1999. He is 27 years old as of now.
Did Jake Bates play soccer before football?
Yes. Jake Bates played college soccer at the University of Central Arkansas before transitioning to American football at Texas State and Arkansas.
Did Jake Bates work as a brick salesman?
Yes. Before joining the Michigan Panthers and Detroit Lions, Bates worked as a brick salesman for Acme Brick in Texas.
What NFL team does Jake Bates play for?
As of now, Jake Bates is the starting kicker for the Detroit Lions. He joined the franchise in June 2024 and wears jersey number 39.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
