Marquette King’s Quest for NFL Return
Punter Marquette King, a name once synonymous with precision and power in the NFL, is on a determined mission to reclaim his place in the league. At 35 years old, King is far from backing down from the rigorous challenge of making a comeback, highlighting his impressive talent and resilience.
King’s journey in professional football began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, a tenure that saw him elevate his game to remarkable heights. During his time with the Raiders, which lasted until 2017, King became a standout special teams player, leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and consistently delivering performances that positioned him among the elite punters in the league. With a career-long punt of 72 yards and a record of 446 punts for 20,822 yards, including 163 placements inside the 20-yard line, King’s statistics speak volumes about his prowess on the field.
King’s prowess on the field translated into significant contributions in 84 games for the Raiders. These achievements did not go unnoticed, leading to a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2018. Unfortunately, an untimely thigh injury placed him on injured reserve, and he was subsequently released by the Broncos later that year. The setback did little to diminish King’s ambitions, as he continued to refine his skills and stay relevant in the football world.
Turning a new chapter in his career, King excelled in the XFL, where he led the league in punting yards in 2020 and later became an XFL champion in 2023. His talent transcended leagues, establishing him as the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades. Despite the accolades, King was not one of the players transitioning to the NFL after the UFL’s inaugural season, but his passion for the sport and desire to return to the pinnacle of football remained unshaken.
King’s resilience is evident in his proactive approach. Recently, he posted a video on social media showcasing one of his punts, a clear message of his readiness to seize any opportunity to make an NFL comeback. The current NFL season is fast approaching, and King aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place among the NFL’s top punters. He expressed his confidence and determination on social media, stating, “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’s story is a testament to his undying will and love for the game. Many athletes might have stepped back after such hurdles, but King has only used them as a stepping stone to push further. With his track record of excellence and his continued achievements, it's clear that Marquette King is more than capable of making a significant impact in the NFL once again.
For NFL teams seeking a punter with a combination of experience, skill, and an unyielding spirit, King’s resume is hard to ignore. His journey from the NFL to the XFL and UFL, coupled with his recent accolades, demonstrates a remarkable level of persistence and commitment. As the upcoming NFL season nears, all eyes will be on King, hoping to see if one of the league’s team gives him the chance to prove that he still belongs at the highest level of professional football.