Marquette King: A Quest for NFL Redemption
At 35 years old, Marquette King is determined to make a comeback to the NFL. The veteran punter, who began his professional journey with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, has enjoyed a storied career filled with notable achievements and setbacks.
Reign with the Raiders
King's tenure with the Raiders spanned from 2012 to 2017, during which he played in 84 games. His powerful leg and strategic punts quickly distinguished him as a standout in the league. In 2014, King led the NFL in punting yards, a testament to his skill and consistency. Over his career with the Raiders, he accumulated 446 punts for 20,822 yards, including a remarkable 72-yard career-long punt. His precision was also evident with 163 kicks placed inside the 20-yard line.
Denver Debacle
In 2018, King signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his time in Denver was short-lived. A thigh injury placed him on injured reserve in October of that year, and shortly after, he was released from the team. This abrupt end to his stint with the Broncos marked a challenging period in King’s career.
Resurgence and Recognition
Undeterred by the setback, King continued to pursue his passion for punting. In 2020, he led the XFL in punting yards, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier punter. His performance reached its zenith in 2023 when he became an XFL champion with the Arlington Renegades. Alongside this achievement, he was named the All-UFL punter, an accolade he uses to underscore his readiness for an NFL return. "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 stated confidently.
Manifesting an NFL Return
With the NFL season fast approaching, King has set his sights on making 2024 the year he reclaims his place in the league. His social media presence has been buzzing with demonstrations of his punting prowess, a move aimed at catching the attention of NFL scouts and teams. While King did not make the transition from the UFL to the NFL after its inaugural season, his recent performances suggest he remains in top form.
Marquette King's journey is a compelling mix of resilience and ambition. From leading the NFL in punting yards to overcoming injuries and excelling in both the XFL and UFL, his story is far from typical. As he continues to train and showcase his abilities, the football community watches with anticipation. King's belief in his capabilities and his drive to perform at the highest level make his quest for an NFL return an inspiring narrative within the world of sports.