Marquette King's Quest for NFL Redemption
Marquette King, a name once synonymous with precision punting in the NFL, is fervently working towards a return to the league. At 35 years old, the veteran punter is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. Having recently solidified his prowess as the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades, King believes he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
King's NFL career began in 2012 when he joined the Oakland Raiders. Over five seasons with the Raiders, King became one of the league's standout punters, leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posting a career-best 72-yard punt. His tenure with the Raiders saw him participating in 84 games, during which he delivered 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, with 163 of those kicks landing inside the 20-yard line—a testament to his accuracy and skill.
However, King's career took a turn in 2018 when he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos only to face adversity shortly after. An untimely thigh injury placed him on injured reserve in October of that year, and he was subsequently released by the Broncos. The injury marked a significant setback, impeding his career trajectory at a critical juncture.
Despite the challenges, King did not let adversity define his career. He transitioned to the XFL, where he once again displayed his elite punting capabilities, leading the league in punting yards in 2020. Most recently, he became an XFL champion in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier punter in any league. Yet, the NFL remained conspicuously absent from his accolades in recent years.
Reflecting on his journey and current aspirations, King stated, "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." His confidence is palpable, and his determination unyielding as he aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place in the NFL.
King's road to redemption is underscored by a significant online presence, where he frequently shares highlights and updates. Recently, he posted a video on social media showcasing a spectacular punt, possibly a strategic move to catch the eyes of NFL scouts and general managers. His efforts come at a critical time with the NFL season approaching soon, adding a sense of urgency to his quest.
While King was not among the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following the UFL's inaugural season, his recent achievements and consistent performances suggest he still has plenty to offer an NFL team in need of a seasoned and reliable punter. With his eyes set on the 2024 season, Marquette King’s journey is far from over. His story serves as a reminder that perseverance and skill can potentially rewrite even the most challenging of narratives.
As the NFL season looms closer, teams will be making critical decisions regarding their rosters. Whether or not King's manifesting of an NFL call comes to fruition remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain—Marquette King is not ready to close the book on his NFL career just yet.