Jake Bates, the UFL kicker for the Michigan Panthers, met his fiancée, Kelsey Sorenson, through their shared connection to Ford Field in Detroit.
The Initial Connection
At the time Bates began his tenure with the Panthers, Sorenson was a cheerleader for the NFL's Detroit Lions, whose home games are also played at Ford Field. Their paths crossed professionally at the stadium during Bates's UFL season.
The Spark & Relationship Timeline
- Spring 2024: Bates gained significant public attention following multiple game-winning field goals, including a remarkable 64-yarder, for the Michigan Panthers. This rise in profile coincided with the start of his relationship with Sorenson.
- Social Media Hint: Around mid-May 2024, Sorenson posted a photo on Instagram with Bates, confirming their relationship publicly.
- Fast-Moving Romance: Their relationship progressed quickly after becoming public.
The Proposal
Bates proposed to Sorenson on June 13, 2024. He chose a deeply symbolic location: Ford Field. The proposal occurred on the Lions' logo at midfield of the very stadium where Bates launched his UFL stardom and where Sorenson cheered professionally. Bates himself announced the engagement via social media shortly after.
Key Connection: Their meeting was facilitated by their respective roles within the Ford Field sports environment during the 2024 UFL season, and their romance rapidly culminated in a proposal at that significant location.
