Detroit kicker Jake Bates said his goal as an athlete is to “spread the love of Jesus” after hitting a game-winning 52-yard field goal that led to his team’s victory on Sunday Night Football.

After the Lions’ last-minute 26-23 win over the Houston Texans, Bates, 25, took part in an interview with NBC in which he discussed his journey from thinking he was “out of football” to making the game-winning shot reflected on national television.

“I think it just shows how good the Lord is,” Bates responded when asked about his remarkable transition. He expressed gratitude and praised God for being “so faithful,” adding, “I hope people can see Jesus through my story.”

He reiterated that his goal is “not to be a good or a bad kicker or to miss, but to spread the love of Jesus,” adding, “So… hopefully I can do that on the stage that I “It is given to me.”

This wasn’t the first time Bates thanked God for his athletic achievements. After the Lions’ win over the Minnesota Vikings three weeks earlier, he told reporters, “I have so much faith in the Lord that He will provide for us.” The former University of Arkansas kicker credited his success to the Lord, explaining that he “provided so many things beyond what I ever expected.”

Bates emphasized the importance of understanding his identity with God, saying, “Knowing who I am and who God says I am… and not… what the world says I am” helps him remaining calm in high-pressure situations on the field. He added that reciting his favorite verse from the Bible, Hebrews 12:1, also helps maintain his composure.

Reflecting on his journey, Bates noted, “Eighteen months ago I thought I was done with football,” mentioning that at that point “the dream was dead.” However, he expressed that his return to the Professional football shows “how good the Lord has been in my life”.

Bates noted that while he briefly worked as a brick salesman, he continued his “education” in hopes of advancing. “The Lord had something else in mind,” he remarked, emphasizing his belief in a higher plan.