Bateman attended Highland High School, where he competed in football, basketball and baseball.
[3] Bateman was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (78th overall) of the 1972 NFL draft and became the starter, after the team traded Pro Bowl punter Ron Widby to the Green Bay Packers along with cornerback Ike Thomas, in exchange for a 1973 second round draft choice (#46-Golden Richards).
[4] As a rookie, his progress was slowed by a sprained ankle he suffered in the second game of the season.
He averaged a disappointing 38.2 yards per punt, but still received NFL All-Rookie honors.
[5] On November 13, 1974, the Buffalo Bills signed him as a free agent to replace Spike Jones.