Marquette King's Determined Journey Back to the NFL
Punter Marquette King, once a major force in the NFL, is on a determined quest to make a triumphant return to the league. The 35-year-old specialist, who has been plying his trade with significant success outside the NFL, believes he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
King began his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the premier punters in the league. Over six seasons with the Raiders, he played in 84 games, amassing 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards and landing 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line. His standout season came in 2014, when he led the NFL in punting yards. Among his career highlights is a remarkable career-long punt of 72 yards.
In 2018, King signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his time with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that landed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Following the injury, King was released from the team, and his NFL journey took an unexpected turn.
Undeterred by the setback, King sought to prove his abilities in alternative leagues. He showcased his punting prowess in the XFL, where he led the league in punting yards in 2020. Further cementing his status, King became an XFL champion in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades, where he was named the All-UFL punter. Despite his success, King was not one of the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following its inaugural season.
King's determination to return to the NFL remains unwavering. Recently, he posted a video on social media showcasing one of his impressive punts, highlighting his continued ability to perform at an elite level. With the NFL season approaching, King is vocal about his ambitions. "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," King expressed with confidence.
King's journey has been marked by resilience and persistence. Despite the challenges and seeming detours away from the NFL, he has continuously demonstrated his talent and dedication to the sport. His career, whether in the NFL, XFL, or UFL, is a testament to his skill and passion for punting.
Aiming for 2024 to be his comeback year, King is ready to seize any opportunity that comes his way. His story is one of unwavering commitment and an undying belief in his abilities. As the NFL season approaches, the league's teams might well take note of a punter who still has much to offer on the field.