Detroit Lions' Special Teams Shine in 2025 Season

Kicker Jake Bates sets franchise records as Lions' special teams unit ranks among NFL's best

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:47am

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The Detroit Lions' special teams unit had a standout 2025 season, finishing in the top 10 in several key metrics. Kicker Jake Bates set franchise records, while players like Jack Fox, Kalif Raymond, and Jack Campbell made significant contributions. The team did struggle with a failed fake punt attempt and Bates' field goal percentage dipped slightly, but overall it was a strong year for Detroit's special teams.

Why it matters

Strong special teams play is crucial for the Lions as they look to build on their success and compete for a playoff spot. The unit's performance in 2025 demonstrates the team's commitment to all three phases of the game and provides a solid foundation heading into the offseason.

The details

The Lions finished ninth in the NFL in average starting field position after a kickoff (31.1-yard line) and 10th in opponent starting field position (29.9). Punter Jack Fox continued to be one of the league's elite, with a 42.8 net average and just two touchbacks. Wide receiver and punt returner Kalif Raymond set the franchise record for career punt return yards with 1,948. Kicker Jake Bates scored 135 points, the second-most in a season in team history. Linebacker Jack Campbell was a standout on special teams, recording 165 defensive tackles and 10 special teams tackles. The team also led the NFL in 20-plus yard kickoff return percentage at 93.9%. However, the Lions failed on their lone fake punt attempt and Bates' field goal percentage dipped from 89.7% in 2024 to 79.4% in 2025.

  • In the second quarter of a loss at Philadelphia, the Lions failed on a 4th & 2 fake punt attempt from their own 43-yard line.

The players

Jake Bates

The Lions' kicker reached 135 points scored on the season (54 XP & 27 FG), the second-most points a kicker has produced in a season in franchise history. He's only the fourth player in NFL history to produce at least 135 points in each of the first two seasons of a player's career.

Jack Fox

The Lions' punter continues to be one of the league's elite, with a 42.8 net average and just two touchbacks.

Kalif Raymond

The veteran wide receiver and punt returner had the second lowest punt return average (7.5) of his career, but his 241 punt return yards allowed him to pass Mel Gray for the franchise record of 1,948 punt return yards.

Jack Campbell

The All-Pro MIKE linebacker on defense also played a key role on special teams, recording 165 defensive tackles and 10 special teams tackles.

Sione Vaki

The running back was praised by special teams coordinator Dave Fipp for his exceptional play on coverage units.

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What they’re saying

“Vaki has really had a great year for us. And I mean he's just a unique athlete. Explosive, powerful, strong, he's an offender technically. I know he played both in college, but his ability to make tackles and play in coverage is exceptional for that position of running back. And so, he's been a great player for us this season. I think he's had a really good year.”

— Dave Fipp, Lions Special Teams Coordinator (statenews.net)

“Yeah, for me it's pretty easy. Number one, just look at the big picture. I mean, do you have a good player or not? I mean to me, clearly, we have a very, very good player. If you put him on the streets, there would be a bunch of teams claiming him right away. And the truth is, we'd have a really hard time finding a guy even near the same player as him.”

— Dave Fipp, Lions Special Teams Coordinator (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Lions will look to address their kicking situation this offseason, with the team potentially bringing in competition for Jake Bates either through free agency or the draft.

The takeaway

The Detroit Lions' special teams unit was a strength in 2025, with standout performances from players like Jake Bates, Jack Fox, and Kalif Raymond. This solid special teams play will be crucial as the team looks to build on its success and compete for a playoff spot in the coming seasons.