Bates recorded 17 sacks in his final three seasons with the Maine Black Bears. As a junior, he recorded seven pass deflections and three interceptions and was named team MVP.[1]
Professional career
Indianapolis Colts
Bates was selected in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.[2] He signed his rookie contract with the Colts on May 5, 2016.[3] On September 3, 2016, he was waived by the Colts as part of final roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[4][5] He was elevated to the active roster on October 4, 2016 but was released on October 13.[6][7]
On February 5, 2017, Bates was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[9]
On February 7, 2017, Bates signed a futures contract with the Patriots.[10] He was waived by the Patriots on September 2, 2017 and signed to the practice squad the next day, only to be released two days later.[11][12][13]
New York Giants
On October 31, 2017, Bates was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad.[14] He was released on December 11, 2017.[15]
Detroit Lions
On May 23, 2018, Bates signed with the Detroit Lions.[16] He was waived on September 3, 2018 and was re-signed to the practice squad.[17][18] He was promoted to the active roster on October 15, 2018.[19]
On March 11, 2019, Bates was released by the Lions due to an altercation with the police.[20]