Marquette King is on a mission. At 35 years old, the veteran punter is determined to make a triumphant return to the National Football League (NFL).
A Storied Career
King’s journey through football has been nothing short of remarkable. After breaking into the NFL with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, he quickly showcased his prowess on the field. During his tenure with the Raiders, King led the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posted a career-long punt of 72 yards. Over his career with the Raiders, King played in 84 games, racking up 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, including 163 kicks that pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line.
In 2018, King’s career took a new turn when he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, his time in Denver was cut short due to a thigh injury that landed him on injured reserve by October of that year. Shortly thereafter, King was released from the Broncos, bringing an abrupt halt to what many expected would be a promising stint in Denver.
UFL and XFL Success
Not one to be easily discouraged, King took his talents to the XFL in 2020, where he again led the league in punting yards. His success continued into 2023 when he became an XFL champion. More recently, King earned the distinction of being named the All-UFL punter while playing with the Arlington Renegades, underscoring his continued excellence and resilience on the field.
Despite his achievements in alternative football leagues, King remains unequivocally focused on returning to the NFL. He expressed his unwavering belief in his abilities, 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." This confidence is undoubtedly fueled by his storied past and his consistent track record of success.
Aiming for a NFL Comeback
As the NFL season approaches, King has been actively showcasing his skills on social media, recently posting a video highlighting one of his impressive punts. His zeal to reclaim a spot in the NFL is palpable, and he is setting his sights on the 2024 season as his target for a comeback.
King’s passion, experience, and undeniable talent make him a compelling candidate for any NFL team in need of a seasoned and reliable punter. His journey through the ranks of the NFL, UFL, and XFL demonstrates a level of perseverance and skill that is rarely seen. Whether or not NFL teams will take notice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marquette King's quest to return to the highest level of professional football is far from over.