The Detroit Lions have been generating headlines not just for their surging status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender but also for the tight bond and multifaceted passions of their players off the gridiron. In a surprising and heartwarming display of camaraderie and cross-sport unity, a unique alliance has formed between four members of the Lions and one of golf’s rising young stars—Aldrich Potgieter, the 2023 Rocket Classic champion.
This unlikely bond has not only highlighted the Lions’ locker room chemistry but also opened the public’s eyes to a growing synergy between NFL special teams standouts and elite golf prospects. At the heart of it? Punter Jack Fox and kicker Jake Bates—two of the most accurate and fearless legs in the NFL—who, along with long snapper Scott Daly and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, have formed a sort of “Detroit Golf Brotherhood.”
Together, they’ve thrown their collective support behind 20-year-old South African phenom Potgieter, a big-swinging prodigy who has already etched his name in PGA Tour history books with his youthful dominance and poise beyond his years.
The Origin of the Bond
It all started quietly last summer when Jack Fox—an avid golfer with a near-scratch handicap—attended the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club. After watching Potgieter dominate the greens and fairways with laser-like precision en route to his victory, Fox reached out on social media to congratulate the young golfer.
“I’ve always admired athletes who carry themselves with maturity and grace under pressure,” said Fox. “Aldrich reminded me of someone who could handle a fourth-quarter field goal—just with a 5-iron instead of a football.”
From that moment, a friendship blossomed. What began as a simple post-tournament message turned into a meetup at a local Detroit Topgolf, followed by regular golf outings in the Michigan area. Soon, Fox introduced Potgieter to his Lions teammates, and the quartet started playing rounds together whenever possible.
Jake Bates Joins the Fray
For Jake Bates, the Lions’ new kicker known for booming field goals beyond 60 yards, the connection to golf was always there. Growing up in Texas, Bates often juggled time between football practice and the driving range. “Golf was my release—it taught me patience, precision, and how to control adrenaline,” he shared.
When he got wind of Fox’s growing friendship with Potgieter, he jumped in, and the bond was sealed. It wasn’t long before Bates, Fox, Daly, and St. Brown became fixtures on the links alongside their new golfing partner.
“People don’t realize how much overlap there is between kicking and golf,” Bates explained. “Both require timing, rhythm, and the ability to forget the last bad shot or miss. Watching Aldrich stay locked in through pressure-packed moments helped me prepare mentally for my NFL debut.”
A Brotherhood of Balance
Beyond the physical mechanics, the real story lies in how this group has used golf as a vessel for connection, accountability, and mental wellness. For Fox and Bates, whose jobs depend on calm nerves and flawless execution, time spent on the course is therapeutic.
“It’s where we decompress,” said Fox. “Out there, there’s no film study, no game plan—just you, the course, and your buddies. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to recharge.”
The group dynamic also adds a competitive spark. Daly, the Lions’ long snapper, is reportedly the most animated during matches. “Scott chirps everyone—even Aldrich,” joked Bates. “He once tried to get in Aldrich’s head during a par-three challenge. It didn’t work.”
Even Amon-Ra St. Brown, who initially tagged along out of curiosity, has developed a true passion for the game. “It started as me just wanting to hang with the guys,” St. Brown said, laughing. “But now I’m addicted. I’m watching YouTube swing tutorials after team meetings.”
Potgieter’s Respect for the Lions
For Aldrich Potgieter, who’s spent most of his young life on golf courses rather than football fields, the bond with the Lions players has been nothing short of transformative.
“I didn’t grow up watching American football,” he admitted. “But after spending time with these guys, I’ve become a Lions fan. I watch every game. Their toughness, their preparation—it’s inspiring.”
Potgieter has returned the favor by helping the players hone their golf games, even offering swing tips and inviting them to private courses during the offseason. “Aldrich is like our golf coach now,” Fox said. “He’s got that wisdom in a 20-year-old body. Every time we play with him, we learn something.”
Rocket Mortgage Classic Reunion
The Rocket Mortgage Classic, hosted annually in Detroit, has become a sort of reunion for the group. During the 2024 edition, all four Lions players attended in Potgieter’s corner, cheering him on decked out in team-branded polos bearing Potgieter’s initials.
“It was surreal seeing NFL players rooting for me from the gallery,” said Potgieter. “They were louder than anyone.”
The bond became a national storyline when Potgieter birdied the 18th hole while Fox and Bates erupted in celebration. The clip went viral, racking up millions of views across social platforms.
Beyond the Game: Philanthropy and Mentorship
The partnership has grown beyond sports. The group recently launched an initiative called “Focus & Finish,” a community outreach program designed to promote youth development through sports and mentorship. The program combines football, golf, and wellness workshops to provide kids with opportunities to grow both mentally and physically.
“It’s not just about football or golf,” said Bates. “It’s about life. Sports are a metaphor for overcoming adversity, and we want to share those lessons.”
With support from Rocket Mortgage and the Detroit Lions Foundation, “Focus & Finish” plans to sponsor over 500 inner-city youth for golf clinics and leadership retreats by 2026.
Unlikely but Powerful Allies
The contrast between booming punts and soft wedge shots may seem vast, but the Lions-Potgieter partnership is proving that greatness across sports shares the same DNA: dedication, discipline, and desire.
NFL fans know Fox and Bates for their on-field excellence—Fox with his field-flipping punts and Bates with his long-range bombs. But off the field, their alliance with Potgieter speaks to something more enduring: unity.
“In the end,” said Fox, “this isn’t just about sports. It’s about growth—spiritually, mentally, physically. That’s what brings us together.”
What’s Next?
With the NFL season looming and Potgieter preparing for the FedEx Cup stretch, the group’s time together may temporarily pause—but only in person. They’ve already set up virtual swing critiques, regular FaceTimes, and offseason tee times in Arizona, where several of the Lions players train during the winter.
And there’s even talk of forming a pro-am team for the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with Potgieter as their lead and Fox, Bates, Daly, and St. Brown rounding out the celebrity contingent.
“That would be the ultimate,” said Potgieter. “To share the course with my friends in front of the world—it would be full circle.”
Final Thoughts
In a sports world often defined by rivalries and headlines, stories like this one remind us that the most enduring victories happen off the field. The friendship between the Detroit Lions quartet and Aldrich Potgieter isn’t a marketing stunt or fleeting offseason distraction—it’s a testament to the power of connection, shared purpose, and mutual respect.
So whether it’s Potgieter sticking a 6-iron within three feet or Bates splitting the uprights from 62 yards out, one thing is clear: champions recognize champions—and sometimes, they walk the same fairways.
