Jessie Bates III

Jessie Bates III's Biography

Born February 26, 1997, Jessie Bates III is an accomplished American safety who has successfully made his mark in the National Football League (NFL). Professionally, he plays for the Atlanta Falcons, but his journey to where he is now was paved with dedication and resilience.

Bates’s football journey began in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended Snider High School. Football wasn’t his only passion; Bates was also involved in basketball. Originally, he committed to playing college football for the Toledo Rockets. However, in 2015, he made a significant decision to flip his commitment to Wake Forest Demon Deacons, a decision that would shape his future in the world of professional football.

Proudly, Bates is the beloved son of his single mother, Theresa, and is blessed with a large family. A part of a family of seven, he has his older sister, Aaliyah, younger brother, Von, along with step-siblings namely Donavan, Nate, Kameron, and Ariana.

Young Bates entered college life but deferred his playing for Wake Forest as a true freshman. He chose to redshirt in 2015, which allowed him to watch and learn without losing his eligibility to play in subsequent years. By the following year in 2016, Bates had grown significantly in his game, making his debut as a redshirt freshman. He played in all 13 games for Wake Forest, demonstrating extraordinary talent with commendable statistics, including returning 18 punts for 73 yards, accumulating five interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns), 100 tackles (3.5 for loss), four pass deflections, and one forced fumble.

Due to his impressive performance, Bates was recognized with numerous accolades including selection in the USA Today Freshman All-America Team, the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Second-team, and the ACC All-Freshman First-team.

In 2017, as a sophomore, Bates continued to leave an indelible mark on the field by playing 11 of the total 13 games for Wake Forest. In these games, he had eight punt returns amounting to 161 yards and a touchdown, 79 tackles (six for loss), five pass deflections, and one forced fumble. Following this stellar season, Bates announced his decision to declare for the 2018 NFL draft.

He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis where he completed most drills impressively, coming in third among safeties at the 60-yard shuttle, fourth in the three-cone drill, and fifth in the short shuttle. His athletic abilities were further demonstrated through his performance at Wake Forest’s pro day. Impressing multiple NFL teams, he was projected to be either a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.

In the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals picked Bates as the 54th overall player and the fourth safety. He was subsequently signed on to a four-year contract for $4.94 million which included a $1.67 million signing bonus.

Beginning his professional career as a backup safety with the Bengals, Bates swiftly impressed the coaching staff, earning the opportunity to compete for the starting free safety position. He made his professional regular season debut playing against the Indianapolis Colts, helping the Bengals achieve a victory. Bates first season saw him leading team in tackles and breaking personal records, promoting his selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Bates continued to make significant contributions to the Bengals’ performance in subsequent games. He recorded several notable plays, including key interceptions and tackles that displayed his exceptional skills as a safety. Despite team setbacks and transitions, including change of head coach, Bates continually showcased consistent growth and development in his game.

Recognizing his invaluable contributions, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Bates in 2022. Later on March 16, 2023, Bates signed a monumental four-year, $64.02 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, marking a significant turn in his career.

In his Falcons debut, Bates made a resounding impact, bagging ten tackles, a career-high two interceptions, and a forced fumble, driving the Falcons to a victory. This remarkable performance earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Throughout the 2024 season, Bates continued to shine, giving standout performances week after week. His exceptional plays during games against the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints won him the title of NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice. His football journey from Snider High School to the bright lights of the NFL, defines what it means to be a dedicated, hardworking, and talented professional football player.

Jessie Bates III’s career is undeniably a testament to his skills, patience, and perseverance. His journey so far is inspiring, and he continues to demonstrate that with hard work and determination, one can achieve great things in professional football.