The reality is, in the history of football heroes, there might not be a more unlikely one than Jake Bates. My story on the nearly unbelievable journey of the Lions kicker. nytimes.com/athletic/64930…

People everywhere are wondering how Jake Bates went from bricks to kicks. His story is more amazing than you know. Thanks for reading. nytimes.com/athletic/64930…

How in the world could Jake Bates be kicking for the Lions? It's about the cannon leg, commitment like Thomas Edison, the tiger’s eye, brilliant coaching and development, and the ability to achieve Zen. And there's more. My story. nytimes.com/athletic/64930…

In 37 college games, Jake Bates made more tackles — two — than field goals — zero. In his high school career, Bates attempted two field goals and missed both. How Jake Bates went from soccer prodigy to brick salesman to rising star with the Lions ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/64930…

Will Aaron age like Brady... or the rest of them? Good read from Mike DeFabo. nytimes.com/athletic/64987…

Well done look at the new Bear from Steve Greenberg. chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2025/07/…

Jake Bates of the Lions kicked 3 game winners last year and set a team record for points. This year, he will be tested by higher expectations, devil winds and maybe missed kicks that can ruin victories. We talked about where he's been and where he's going. nytimes.com/athletic/64930…

There's so much that's interesting about Brian Schottenheimer's long road to becoming head coach of the Cowboys. Michael Silver, always good. nytimes.com/athletic/65024…

Good luck Ben!

And nobody does it better.

Going to be an interesting year for Baker. From Jeff Howe. nytimes.com/athletic/65133…

Good insight here from the Aaron expert Ian O'Connor. nytimes.com/athletic/65144…

The dreaded six-letter word that no parent ever wants to hear: Cancer. Seven months ago, our world stopped when our son, Wesley, was diagnosed with leukemia. As parents, we've held each other through tears we didn't know we had, watching our little boy fight the biggest battle

This, from Chad Graff, is fascinating. nytimes.com/athletic/65158…

Jared 1.0 had to become Jared 2.0 to get where he's going this week. Nice read from Alec Lewis. nytimes.com/athletic/65200…

Of all the Hall of Fame moments this weekend, none will be more special. Nice read from Tim Graham .nytimes.com/athletic/65251…

Today, we honor the Class of 2025. But first, we pause to remember the football legends we lost in the last year. #HOFForever

They're straight from Marvel. The excellent Bruce Feldman with his yearly signature piece. nytimes.com/athletic/65227…

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