Dan Campbell was so excited when he handed the game ball to Lions kicker Jake Bates

The Detroit Lions escaped with a narrow win when they visited the rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, taking a 31-29 lead in the final moments of the fourth quarter thanks to a late field goal from kicker Jake Bates.

Bates, who said after Sunday's game that he almost gave up football to become a brick salesman, delivered the winning goal from 44 yards out with just 15 seconds left in the game.

After the game, Dan Campbell was ecstatic and handed the game ball to Bates in a way only he could.

“OK. Hey, Mr Bates! “Where are you?” Campbell shouted. “Where's Bates?” Come here, Bates! Give the man his ball!”

Bates grinned from ear to ear as someone tossed him the game ball, then gave a short speech praising Detroit's offense.

“Hey, how about the offense get us in position, man? There's still a minute and a half left until we get there, man. We trust you with everything. And then the field goal line, I know that's the worst job ever.” “I really appreciate you,” Bates said.

Since joining the Lions at the start of the season, Bates was perfect in his first six games and made all six field goal attempts this year. None were bigger than Sunday's, giving Detroit a win and the top spot in the NFC North.