Marquette King’s Ambitious Journey Back to the NFL
Marquette King, once a standout punter in the NFL, is determined to make his return to the league. At 35 years old, King has been on a tireless quest to prove that his talent remains elite. "You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me," King asserted in a social media post, showcasing his confidence and desire for an NFL comeback.
King's NFL journey began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012. Over the span of his career with the Raiders, which lasted until 2017, he showcased his exceptional punting skills in 84 games. During this time, he accumulated an impressive 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 of those kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. His career highlights include leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posting a remarkable career-long punt of 72 yards.
In 2018, the Denver Broncos recognized King's talent and signed him to a three-year, $7 million contract. Unfortunately, King's tenure with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Subsequently, King was released from the team following his injury.
Despite this setback, King's passion for football never waned. He transferred his skills to alternative leagues, where he continued to excel. King led the XFL in punting yards in 2020, showcasing his persistent prowess. More recently, he played a pivotal role in becoming an XFL champion in 2023.
During his time with the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League (UFL), King was named the All-UFL punter. This accolade is particularly noteworthy given the league's challenging conditions for punters. King himself emphasized the difficulty, stating, "All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all!" His performance in the UFL, however, did not result in a transition back to the NFL following the league's inaugural season.
With the NFL season approaching soon, King remains optimistic and driven to make a return to the professional stage. He aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place in the NFL. To this end, King has been actively posting on social media, showcasing his impressive punts and maintaining his visibility to NFL teams. His message is clear: he is manifesting a call from an NFL team soon.
King's journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. Despite the physical and career setbacks, his resolve to prove his worth as an elite punter remains unshaken. As the NFL teams gear up for the new season, King's name is certainly one to watch. If his past performance and current dedication are any indicators, Marquette King might very well find himself back on the NFL field, reminding everyone of the talent he brings to the sport of football.