Marquette King, the dynamic punter who once electrified NFL fans, is on a mission to return to the league. At 35 years old, King is far from ready to hang up his cleats, showcasing his talents and determination to prove that age is just a number.
A Storied NFL Career
Marquette King's NFL journey began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012. Over the course of five seasons, King established himself as one of the most exciting punters in the league. His tenure with the Raiders, which lasted until 2017, included leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posting a career-long punt of 72 yards. In total, King played 84 games with the Raiders, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards and 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line. His ability to flip the field and pin offenses deep made him a valuable asset for the Raiders.
A Rocky Transition
In 2018, King signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, a move that was expected to further cement his status as one of the NFL's elite punters. However, his time in Denver was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October the same year. Subsequently, the Broncos released King, marking an abrupt and unforeseen pause in his NFL career.
A New Chapter in the UFL and XFL
King's resilience and love for the game led him to the United Football League (UFL) and the XFL, where he continued to showcase his punting prowess. As the All-UFL punter for the Arlington Renegades and a standout in the XFL, King proved that he still possessed the skills that made him a star. Leading the XFL in punting yards in 2020 and becoming an XFL champion in 2023, King kept his professional dreams alive outside of the NFL spotlight.
A Determined Comeback
Despite his success in alternative leagues, King has never wavered in his belief that he belongs in the NFL. As he sets his sights on 2024, King's confidence is palpable. "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 declared emphatically on social media, accompanied by a video showcasing one of his impressive punts.
The Road Ahead
As the NFL season approaches, King continues to train rigorously, aiming to catch the eye of NFL scouts and decision-makers. His career, marked by highs and lows, speaks volumes of his determination and perseverance. King's story is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unyielding ambition to reclaim a spot in the NFL. While the path back to the league may be challenging, King's talent and tenacity make him a strong candidate for a team in need of a proven, experienced punter.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: Marquette King is ready to make his mark once again. As he continues his quest to return to the NFL, fans and teams alike will be watching closely, eager to see if one of the game's most exciting punters can complete his comeback.