Marquette King's Quest for an NFL Return
At 35, punter Marquette King is determined to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. With a storied career that began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, King has experienced both the peaks and valleys of professional football.
King first made a mark in the NFL by leading the league in punting yards in 2014 and posting a career-long punt of 72 yards. During his time with the Raiders, he played in 84 games, amassing 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 of those kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. His consistent performance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier punters.
In 2018, King made a shift to the Denver Broncos, signing a three-year, $7 million contract. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October 2018. Following the injury, King was released from the Broncos, a move that could have signaled the end of his NFL career.
Undeterred, King continued to hone his craft in alternative leagues. He led the XFL in punting yards in 2020 and recently showcased his prowess by becoming an XFL champion in 2023. His performance in these leagues did not go unnoticed; he was named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades. Despite his successes, King was not among the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL after its inaugural season.
King remains resolute in his belief that he belongs back in the NFL. Recently, he posted a video on social media showcasing one of his punts, declaring, "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." It's a confident statement from a player who has consistently demonstrated his elite skills on the field.
As the new NFL season approaches, King's goal is clear: make 2024 his comeback year. His journey has been a testament to persistence and dedication. With the NFL landscape constantly evolving, there may still be a place for a punter of King's caliber. His previous accolades and recent triumphs in other leagues suggest he has the ability to perform at the highest level once more.
The NFL has always celebrated stories of redemption and resilience, and King’s narrative fits perfectly into this tradition. As he continues to train and prepare for another shot at the league, one can only admire his unwavering determination and passion for the game.
The coming months will be crucial for King as he awaits a call from any of the 32 NFL teams. Should he get the opportunity, Marquette King’s return to the NFL would undoubtedly be one of the most compelling stories of the season.