Jake Bates drops the perfect ‘The Office’ after OT win against Giants

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates made the most of his opportunity Sunday, sending the game against the New York Giants into overtime with a franchise-record 59-yarder with 28 seconds left in regulation.

It was from there no cuts for the Lionswith running back Jahmir Gibbs making a 69-yard field goal and Bates converting the extra point to give them a hard-earned victory, 34-27, at Ford Field.

In the locker room after the game, the unsung hero was asked if he was superstitiousas many athletes tend to be. He responded with a famous quote from one of the most profound philosophers of the 21st century: Michael Scott of The Office.

“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little superstitious. Any ‘Office’ fans out there?” Bates said, referring to the popular series, in a video posted by 97.1 The Ticket on Ks.

He, however, quickly channeled Jim Halpert and gave a more sensible answer.

“There are things, for sure. I’ve gotten better at not being so superstitious, but there’s a bit of routine. I call it routine instead of superstition,” added the 26-year-old player.

Hogan Hatten’s long snapper, Dwight Schrute in this story, stepped in and broke one of Bates’ little tidbits.

“He only shampoos his hair two days before the game. He won’t shampoo it after that,” Hatten said.

Is Lions player Jake Bates superstitious? “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little superstitious. Any Office fans?”

Hogan Hatten: “He only shampoos his hair two days before the game. He won’t shampoo it after that.” pic.twitter.com/5A53omSvI1

— 97.1 The Ticket Kit: (@971theticketkit) November 23, 2025

Bates had only cameo appearances against the Giants, but they came when it mattered most, helps Detroit improve to 7-4. They will take on the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day Thursday.

Clearly, Bates took care of business on the field. To borrow deeper wisdom from Scott: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky – Michael Scott.”