Marquette King’s Pursuit of an NFL Comeback
At 35 years old, Marquette King is far from slowing down. The seasoned punter, once a standout in the NFL, is now on a determined quest to make his return to the league. Despite his age, King firmly believes in his abilities. "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," he declared with conviction.
Marquette King first made his mark in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders back in 2012. Over the span of his career with the Raiders, which lasted until 2017, he played in 84 games and accumulated some impressive statistics. King led the NFL in punting yards in 2014, a testament to his powerful leg and accuracy. Throughout his tenure with the Raiders, he posted a career-long punt of 72 yards and recorded 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, with 163 kicks landing inside the 20-yard line.
In 2018, King signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, a move that was anticipated to contribute significantly to the team’s special teams unit. However, his stint with the Broncos was short-lived. In October of the same year, King was placed on injured reserve due to a thigh injury and was subsequently released from the team. This setback did not deter him; instead, it fueled his determination to return stronger than ever.
King's journey took a turn as he ventured into other leagues. He showed resilience and adaptability by joining the United Football League (UFL) and proving his skills once again. His performance earned him the title of All-UFL Punter with the Arlington Renegades, further bolstering his claim that he remains one of the best in the business. Though many players transition from the UFL to the NFL, King was not among them following his impressive season.
In 2020, King continued to showcase his talents in the XFL, leading the league in punting yards. His success did not stop there; in 2023, he became an XFL champion, solidifying his status as a top-tier punter across multiple leagues. Despite these achievements, King has maintained his focus on returning to the NFL, consistently working on his craft and staying in peak physical condition.
Recently, King has taken to social media to demonstrate his prowess, sharing videos of his punts with the hope of catching the attention of NFL scouts and teams. With the 2024 NFL season approaching, King is more motivated than ever. He aims to use this upcoming season as a platform to reclaim his place in the league, confident that his skills and experience will shine through.
Marquette King's journey is one of perseverance and an unwavering belief in his abilities. His story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the relentless pursuit of one’s goals despite numerous challenges. As the NFL season draws near, the opportunity for King to manifest that long-awaited call from an NFL team seems closer than ever. For now, he continues to punt with power and precision, waiting for the moment he can once again step onto an NFL field.