William Houston Bates (born December 20, 1991) is an American former professional football outside linebacker who played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL).

After a try-out, Bates signed with the Washington Redskins on May 18, 2015.

[1][2] Despite having a considerably strong preseason performance,[3][4] he was waived on September 5 for final roster cuts before the start of the regular season.

[9] He was promoted again to the active roster on November 7 after Jackson Jeffcoat was placed on the team's injured reserve.

[10] On December 20, 2016, Bates was placed on the team's injured reserve after tearing his ACL the day before during a game against the Carolina Panthers.