Sure, he’s a 9-year pro with 871 tackles. But what do you NOT know about new Jaguars safety Jessie Bates III?
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a major statement of intent by acquiring three-time second-team All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons.
The 29-year-old arrives in Duval County with an impressive NFL résumé, having established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive backs during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons.
But there’s considerably more to Bates than his ability to take the ball away from opposing quarterbacks. Here are three things you might not know about Jacksonville’s newest defensive star.
He pledged $1 million to help single mothers
Bates’ mother, Theresa, played an enormous role in shaping the person he is today.
Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bates and his siblings were raised by their mother, who regularly worked two jobs to provide for her family. His father wasn’t particularly involved in their upbringing, leaving Theresa to shoulder much of the responsibility.
Bates has never forgotten those sacrifices. After entering the NFL in 2018, he and his mother established the JB3 Single Mother’s Initiative, a charitable project dedicated to supporting single mothers and their children.
The initiative has organised special experiences for families, including shopping trips, Christmas presents, sporting events and weekends away. Bates was even named the NFLPA’s Week 15 Community MVP in 2022 after organising a memorable three-day experience for six single mothers and their children.
His commitment to the cause became even more significant when he signed with Atlanta in 2023. Bates pledged to donate $1 million over the four years of his contract to organisations supporting single mothers in Atlanta and his hometown of Fort Wayne.
It’s a cause that clearly means a great deal to Bates, who has spoken openly about the sacrifices his own mother made to help him achieve his NFL dream.
His tattoos tell the story of his life
Bates has plenty of ink, but there’s a lot more meaning behind his tattoos than simply filling up available skin.
His mother, Theresa, is honoured with her name and birthday tattooed across his wrist, while his older sister and younger brother have their birthdays represented in Roman numerals on his shoulders. His chest features the words “Jesus gave me the strength to spread my wings”, while his tattoos also include references to his faith, his family and his hometown.
Perhaps the most interesting is an Indiana state outline incorporating personal and popular landmarks from Fort Wayne, sitting beneath the words “Small city, big dreams”. Bates has also had his JB3 logo and the words “Just Believe” tattooed across his right ribcage, following an eight-hour sitting.
In an interview with the Falcons, Bates explained that his tattoos serve as reminders of everything he’s been through and the people who helped him get there.
They aren’t simply decorative. They’re a permanent reminder of where he came from and what matters most.
He was a touchdown machine at Wake Forest
Bates spent three seasons at Wake Forest between 2015 and 2017, establishing himself as one of the most exciting defensive playmakers in college football.
After redshirting his first season, Bates announced himself nationally in 2016. As a redshirt freshman, he recorded five interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns. Remarkably, he was the only freshman in the country to achieve that feat.
His breakout performance came against Indiana, in his home state, with dozens of friends and family members watching. Bates intercepted two passes in a 33-28 victory, returning one 55 yards for a touchdown. He also recovered Indiana’s final onside kick to help secure the win.
He wasn’t finished there.
In the 2017 Belk Bowl against Texas A&M, Bates showcased his versatility by returning a punt 59 yards for a touchdown. It was the first punt-return touchdown in Wake Forest bowl history. He finished his college career with 179 tackles, six interceptions and 195 interception-return yards, the third-highest total in program history.
The Bengals subsequently selected him with the 54th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and the rest is history. Jacksonville are hoping he can bring that same playmaking ability to Duval County.
But wait - there’s more!
If tattoos, philanthropy and college exploits isn’t enough knowledge about the Jaguars’ big trade acquisition, we’ve got you covered…
He’s a massive car enthusiast: Bates inherited a fire-engine red 2008 Dodge Charger from his mother, eventually modifying it with new wheels, a radio and an upgraded exhaust. He was so attached to the car that he drove it all the way from Indiana to Cincinnati for his first Bengals training camp. His dream car? A Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, although he admitted he would have to wait for his next big NFL contract before making that purchase! Perhaps that now comes in Duval County…
His first NFL game featured his future team: Bates was taken to his first NFL game by his mother when he was in fifth grade. The matchup? Cincinnati Bengals against Baltimore Ravens. He was actually a Ray Lewis fan growing up, making his eventual selection by Cincinnati a rather remarkable full-circle moment.
He’s a basketball and baseball guy, too: Football wasn’t the only sport Bates excelled at growing up. He played point guard for Snider High School’s basketball team and center field in baseball. He’s also remained a keen sports fan, regularly attending Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball games and local basketball events.
He’s borderline obsessive about film study: Bates has previously revealed that his preparation begins long before the weekly practice schedule. During his time in Atlanta, he would spend Tuesdays organising defensive backs and linebackers for additional players-only film sessions. He carries two iPads – one for watching game film and another for taking detailed notes – and even creates individual folders for opposing offensive coordinators. That’s some serious homework!
He became a father in Atlanta: Jessie Bates IV was born in 2023, during his father’s first season with the Falcons. He has spoken about how fatherhood changed his outlook and priorities, drawing parallels between his own parenting and the sacrifices his mother made raising three children.
He’s got some interesting entertainment tastes: In a 2018 interview with Cincy Jungle, Bates revealed that his favourite television show was *Power*, his favourite film was *Southpaw*, and his favourite musical artist was Drake. His favourite food? Steak from Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. He also admitted that he was yet to try Cincinnati chili, although I imagine after five seasons in the Queen City I imagined he subsequently scratched that itch.
His biggest fear is losing his mother: Asked about his biggest fear during that same interview, Bates gave a simple answer: God and losing his mom. Given everything Theresa sacrificed to help him reach the NFL, it’s perhaps no surprise that family remains at the center of everything he does.