Brenden Bates’ failed attempt at a “Happy Gilmore” golf swing might have made him a target of online jokes, but it doesn’t define his NFL journey
For an undrafted player fighting for a spot on a crowded roster, resilience and adaptability matter more than viral clips.
If anything, the moment adds a light-hearted chapter to his story—one that could ultimately end in redemption if he manages to make an impact in Cleveland this season.
NFL players are used to scrutiny, but it’s how they respond that separates the temporary names from the lasting ones.
And who knows? If he catches a touchdown pass or delivers a key block this season, maybe Bates will be the one laughing last—perhaps even with a golf club in hand.
The Browns’ tight end group is a microcosm of the broader NFL: a mix of high-end talent, hopeful youth, and strategic depth. With David Njoku entrenched at the top, the real drama lies in who earns the backup roles behind him.
Whether it’s the technician (Whiteheart), the hybrid (Fannin), or the grinder (Bates), the Browns have a tough decision ahead. Training camp and the preseason will serve as a proving ground—and only the most complete and adaptable tight ends will survive the final cut.
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Brenden Bates’ “Happy Gilmore” Golf Swing Goes Hilariously Wrong
Cleveland Browns tight end Brenden Bates found himself trending recently—but not for anything he did on the football field.1
Instead, it was a failed golf attempt that made headlines, earning him the internet’s laughter and a fair share of memes.
The Browns’ player tried to replicate the iconic “Happy Gilmore” swing during a casual golf outing, but things didn’t go according to plan. The result? A viral clip filled with physical comedy and social media roast sessions.
“I don’t know what the hell just happened” What a legendary Hot Mic from @JKattus. GO CATS! @UKFootball
— Brenden Bates (@BatesBrenden) September 28, 2024
A Risky Swing Inspired by a Cult Classic
The “Happy Gilmore” swing, popularized by the 1996 Adam Sandler movie of the same name, involves a hockey-style run-up to a violent golf swing.
While the move is rarely seen in professional golf—outside of exhibitions or charity events—it has become a pop culture favorite among amateurs trying to inject some fun into their game.
Bates decided to try the swing, perhaps underestimating the difficulty. As he ran up to the ball and attempted the powerful drive, he completely missed and ended up tumbling to the ground.
The scene was comedic gold, especially for fans familiar with the film.
Brenden Bates: Social Media Roasts
Once the NFL’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared the clip, the internet did what it does best—respond with savage humor.2
Comments flooded in, many of them aimed at both Bates’ failed swing and the Cleveland Browns’ recent struggles.
“Checks out, has the athleticism of a Browns player,” one fan joked, turning the moment into a metaphor for Cleveland’s playoff drought and inconsistency.
Another user, @BerryhillRl, commented:
“A strong visual metaphor for the Browns’ upcoming season.”
Even brands joined in on the fun. DUDE Wipes cleverly tweeted:
“Dude wiped himself out,” referencing both their product and Bates’ collapse.
Though the comments were brutal, the moment provided a humorous break from the usual offseason grind—and hopefully, Bates took it in stride.
The Tight End’s Unconventional NFL Path
While he may not be going viral for highlight catches or touchdowns just yet, Brenden Bates’ journey to the NFL has been one of perseverance.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bates was signed by the Chicago Bears. However, his stint in Chicago didn’t last long.
On August 27, he was released during the final roster cutdowns, a fate that befalls many undrafted rookies. But Bates wasn’t out of the league for long.
The very next day, the New York Jets claimed him off waivers, showing that teams still saw potential in the former college tight end.
Brenden Bates: Short-Lived Stint with the Jets
His time with the Jets was turbulent. After being added to the active roster, he was released on October 17, just a few weeks into the season.3
Two days later, the Jets brought him back on the practice squad, offering him a second chance within the organization.
Practice squad life in the NFL is far from glamorous. It involves intense work, constant uncertainty, and the hope that an opportunity will arise.
For Bates, that opportunity came on December 18, when the Cleveland Browns signed him off the Jets’ practice squad to their 53-man roster.
Will Bates Find a Role in Cleveland?
Now entering the 2025 season, the question remains: what is Brenden Bates’ future with the Browns? Cleveland has struggled in recent years to get consistent production out of the tight end position, making it a potential opening for someone like Bates to sneak in and earn meaningful reps.
However, the team’s depth chart remains competitive, and it’s unclear what kind of role he’ll be expected to fill. His athletic profile, work ethic, and experience across multiple systems could help him carve out a special teams role or become a depth option in two-tight-end formations.
Still, much will depend on his performance during training camp and preseason. For now, he’s fighting for a spot just like he always has.
A Long College Career at Kentucky
Before his NFL journey, Bates played college football at the University of Kentucky, spending a total of six seasons with the Wildcats.
Over 55 games, he posted modest stats: 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers don’t leap off the page, Bates was known more for his blocking skills and physicality than his receiving ability.
His extended college career gave him valuable experience and maturity, especially after redshirting and using an extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coaches praised his work ethic, leadership, and toughness—traits that often translate well at the professional level, particularly in a backup or supporting role.
The Importance of Staying Loose in the Offseason
- Though Bates’ golf fail became a viral moment of ridicule, it also shows the human side of NFL players.
- The offseason is long, and players often use the time to relax, recover, and enjoy other sports or hobbies.
- Whether it’s golfing, fishing, or traveling, the break is crucial for mental well-being.
- Athletes putting themselves out there for a laugh—especially with a stunt as ridiculous as the Happy Gilmore swing—reminds fans that they’re people too.
- The clip may not have been flattering, but it showed Bates’ playful side and likely endeared him to at least some fans.
- Sometimes, unexpected viral moments help boost a player’s visibility. Bates is still relatively unknown among NFL fans, but moments like this give him a personality in the public eye.
- If he makes the Browns’ final roster and contributes on the field, fans will likely look back at this clip with fondness instead of mockery.
- There’s also precedent for athletes embracing viral memes or self-deprecating moments to build a personal brand.
- Whether Bates chooses to lean into it or leave it in the past, the door is open for him to use it as fuel going into training camp.
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Brenden Bates: The Rookie with Something to Prove
Brenden Bates enters this battle as the least experienced among the group but not without promise.
The former Kentucky Wildcat joined the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and spent time on the practice squad.
His collegiate career wasn’t loaded with eye-popping stats—he finished with 40 receptions for 466 yards and 3 touchdowns across five seasons—but his versatility and blocking prowess turned heads during his time at Kentucky.
Now heading into what is essentially his first real NFL offseason with live reps and opportunities, Bates will need to show growth in his receiving ability if he wants to separate from the pack.
Coaches have reportedly been impressed with his work ethic and toughness, but will that be enough to make the roster?
Blake Whiteheart: The Technician
Blake Whiteheart is not flashy, but he might be the most technically sound of the group. A former Wake Forest standout, Whiteheart spent time with the Arizona Cardinals before being picked up by the Browns.
Known for his disciplined route running and solid hands, Whiteheart fits the mold of a dependable No. 2 or No. 3 tight end who can contribute quietly but effectively.
He’s also a capable blocker, which will be a key trait if the Browns want a backup who can maintain offensive balance.
If Njoku were to miss time, Whiteheart could likely step in and handle a variety of roles without the offense missing a beat.
The challenge for Whiteheart will be distinguishing himself from Bates and Fannin, who offer different but overlapping skill sets.
If he doesn’t make the active roster, he’s a prime candidate for the practice squad, where he can continue to refine his game.
Brenden Bates: The Stefanski Factor
Offensive Philosophy in Play
Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense heavily incorporates tight ends, often relying on two-TE sets to bolster both the running and passing games.
This increases the value of depth at the position, particularly players who can both block and catch.
In 2020, the Browns made headlines with their use of multiple tight ends, leading the league in personnel packages involving two or more TEs. While the system has evolved since then, the emphasis remains.
Stefanski will be watching closely during preseason games to see who can perform in-game scenarios—especially in red zone and third-down situations.
A tight end who can be trusted on those critical plays might secure a roster spot over a more athletic but inconsistent option.
Special Teams: The Tie-Breaker
For bubble players like Bates, Fannin, and Whiteheart, special teams could be the difference between making the team and hitting waivers. Coaches often lean toward keeping versatile players who contribute outside of their primary position.
If Bates proves to be a dependable blocker on punt returns or kickoff coverage, that could give him the edge over someone like Fannin, whose skill set may not translate as smoothly to special teams. Whiteheart’s intelligence and reliability may also earn him reps in protection schemes.
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A Moving Target
Another variable that could shake up the tight end depth chart is injuries. The grind of training camp and the preseason often leads to unexpected IR stints or missed time, which opens the door for depth players to showcase their value.
If Njoku were to miss even a couple of weeks during the preseason, it could give an extended audition to someone like Fannin or Bates in a higher-volume role. That extra time could significantly alter their standing with the coaching staff.
What Success Looks Like for Each Player
Success for David Njoku means continuing to lead the position group and potentially making his first Pro Bowl. For the others, success may simply be surviving the cut and continuing to develop.
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Brenden Bates needs to show more polish in his receiving game and prove himself on special teams.
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Harold Fannin Jr. must harness his athleticism into consistent production and demonstrate basic blocking fundamentals.
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Blake Whiteheart has to show he can do everything well enough to be a reliable next man up.
Each player is in a different stage of their career, and their path to the final 53 varies accordingly.
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