Marquette King's Quest for an NFL Return
For Marquette King, once a prominent punter in the NFL, the journey back to the gridiron's grandest stage is far from over. Now 35, King is determined to prove he still belongs among the elite in professional football.
King's professional career began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012. Over the course of his five-year tenure with the Raiders, he not only made a name for himself but also led the NFL in punting yards in 2014. His remarkable performance peaked with a career-long punt of 72 yards, illustrating his potent leg strength and precision. In total, King played in 84 games with the Raiders, amassing an impressive 446 punts for 20,822 yards, including 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line.
After leaving the Raiders in 2017, King signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2018. However, his stint with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that landed him on injured reserve by October of the same year, leading to his release from the team. Despite this setback, King's resilience and commitment to the sport never wavered.
In the subsequent years, King transitioned to the XFL, a move that would once again highlight his punting prowess. In 2020, he led the XFL in punting yards, a testament to his enduring skill and athletic capacity. Moreover, in 2023, King became an XFL champion, further solidifying his reputation in professional football circles.
Most recently, King has been named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades, reinforcing his assertion that his skills remain at the top of the punting hierarchy. His social media presence, particularly a video showcasing one of his punts, demonstrates his readiness and eagerness for another shot at the NFL. With the NFL season fast approaching, King is hopeful that 2024 will be the year he reclaims his place in the league.
King remains vocal about his ambition. "You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me. All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon," he confidently stated. This level of self-assuredness is not unfounded, considering his track record and recent accomplishments on the field.
It is clear that King's journey is one marked by perseverance and an undying passion for the game. Whether the NFL will grant him another opportunity remains to be seen, but Marquette King's determination and skill guarantee that he will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of professional football.