Michigan Panthers to Host Jake Bates Bobblehead Giveaway

The Michigan Panthers are set to host a bobblehead giveaway featuring Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates during their last home game of the season. This event will take place on May 31, when the Panthers face off against the Houston Roughnecks at Ford Field, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

Fans arriving early will have the chance to snag one of the 2,000 bobbleheads available, a unique collectible celebrating Bates' contributions to the team. The Panthers have secured a spot in the USFL Conference Championship for the second consecutive year, preparing to challenge the Birmingham Stallions on June 8 at Protective Stadium in Alabama. The victor of this matchup will advance to the championship game on June 14, facing either the D.C. Defenders or the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Last season, the Panthers fell short against the Stallions in the conference finals, who subsequently claimed the championship title against the San Antonio Brahmas. This year, the Panthers aim to turn the tide and secure their first championship win.

Jake Bates, who played one season with the Panthers, has since signed a two-year contract with the Lions. In his impressive 2024 season, he successfully converted 26 of 29 field goal attempts and 64 of 67 extra point attempts. His performance earned him accolades as NFC Special Teams Player of the Month and recognition as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for both weeks 7 and 10.

DeJanay Booth-Singleton, a digital producer at CBS Detroit, reports on a variety of topics including crime, business, and politics, providing insights into local events and sports news.