On a record night, Lions kicker Jake Bates becomes an internet meme

Monday night was an eventful evening for Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, both on and off the field.

During the Lions’ 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Bates set a franchise record for the most points scored in a season (135), surpassing the 134 scored by former kicker Jason Hanson in 2012.

While setting the franchise mark is impressive, it didn’t come without a bit of hilarity at Bates’ expense. During the game, part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcast, TV cameras caught Bates awkwardly stretching on the sidelines.

Initially, it was thought the kicker was dealing with a minor injury and was trying to loosen up before the Lions called on him to help extend their lead. (Joe Buck called it a “moment of Zen.”) Regardless, Bates not only became an instant meme on social media but also endured some good-natured ridicule from his loved ones.

“My family and friends are having a field day with it already. It’s fun. I understand it,” Bates told Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network.

Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten joined in on the fun, telling Bates, “I can’t believe the media did that to you. I can’t believe they broadcasted that.”

(George Constanza, the Titanic and plenty of NSFW quips are making the social media rounds … )

For what it’s worth, Bates told Rogers he’s fine and that it was just normal stretching for him. Bates was 2-for-2 on field goals during Monday’s win, including a 57-yarder, though he did miss an extra point and had another blocked.

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