Detroit Lions kicker, Jake Bates was just inches away from history on September 22, 2024, when he attempted a 67-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens. The kick, which would have broken Justin Tucker’s 66-yard NFL record, just went narrowly wide left. Even though the record slipped away, Jake has become one of the NFL’s most talked-about names this season. Alongside his rise, fans are now curious about the 25-year-old’s fiancee, Presley Folkerts.
Who is Jake Bates’ fiancée, Presley Folkerts?
According to the Detroit Free Press, Presley Folkerts is a speech pathologist who specializes in working with children. She holds degrees from Texas A&M and Baylor University, building a career dedicated to helping young patients. Beyond her profession, Presley has been Jake Bates’s biggest supporter since their school days. The couple got engaged in July 2024, and as per their wedding registry on The Knot, they were to tie the knot in March 2025 in their hometown of Hockley, Texas. However, there is no confirmed or updated information on the ceremony yet.
Jack Bates and Presley Folkerts’s fairytale romance
Jack and Presley’s love story goes back nearly two decades. As highlighted on The Knot, Jake first noticed Presley when she walked into his homeroom class in fifth grade. They later became high-school sweethearts and officially dated as sophomores at Tomball High School in Texas. But soon they went their different ways after graduation. Presley focused on her education, and Jake chased a sports career. However, fate brought them together again in February 2022. They reunited at a mutual friend’s engagement party after five years and quickly rekindled their bond.
Jack Bates often shares how Presley’s presence gives him stability during the most uncertain phases of his career. In July 2024, when he proposed to her, he was still fighting for a spot in the Lions. The Detroit Free Press noted that at the time, he had just signed a nonguaranteed contract that made their “look-she-has-a-ring” photo more special.
More about Detroit Lions kicker, Jack Bates
Jake’s journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary. He was born in Tomball, Texas. Initially, he was a standout in soccer before switching to football. Jake played at Central Arkansas, Texas State, and Arkansas. But he only played as a kickoff specialist; he never attempted a single college field goal. After going undrafted, Jack worked as a brick salesman in Houston. Then in 2024, he took a gamble by joining the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. There is an interesting story behind his first season. He initially caught the Lions’ attention, and in June 2024, he signed a two-year contract. When veteran kicker Michael Badgley suffered a hamstring injury, Jack stepped in and quickly made headlines with his long-range accuracy.
Jack Bates has a lot to look after in his career after his near-record 67-yard kick. On the other hand, fans are waiting to know more about his low-key personal life with Presley Folkerts.
Next read:Jimmy Kimmel Returns: ABC Reinstates The Host After Allegedly Losing USD 4B? Here’s What Happened