Punter Marquette King’s Quest to Return to the NFL
At 35 years old, Marquette King is proving that age is just a number as he embarks on a determined journey to return to the NFL. Known for his years with the Oakland Raiders, King is not just reminiscing about former glories but actively working to earn his spot back in the league.
A Promising Beginning
King's NFL tenure began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, where he quickly made a name for himself. From 2012 to 2017, King showcased his extraordinary talent, leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014. His career-long punt of 72 yards stands testament to his skill and power. Over his six seasons with the Raiders, King accumulated 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with a noteworthy 163 kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. In total, King played 84 NFL games for the Raiders, becoming a significant contributor to the team's special teams unit.
Challenges Along the Way
In 2018, King signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his time with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Following his injury, the Broncos decided to release him, marking a challenging period in King's professional career.
Resilience and Triumph Outside the NFL
Despite these setbacks, King’s resilience shone through as he continued to demonstrate his prowess in other football leagues. In 2020, King led the XFL in punting yards, further emphasizing that his abilities had not waned. More recently, he has been a standout in the United Football League (UFL), being named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades and becoming an XFL champion in 2023.
It’s clear that King’s talent transcends leagues, and he isn’t shy about his ambitions for the future. "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 emphatically.
Eyes on the NFL
With the NFL season approaching, King has been using social media to showcase his skills, posting videos of his punts to remind NFL teams of his expertise. His goal is clear: to make 2024 the year he reclaims his place in the NFL. Given his track record and continued excellence, it wouldn’t be surprising to see teams giving him the call he’s manifesting.
While King wasn’t one of the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following its inaugural season, his continued dominance in these leagues underscores that he still possesses the capability to compete at the highest level. His journey from a promising punter with the Raiders to a standout player in various football leagues is a testament to his unwavering dedication and talent.
As the NFL season edges closer, all eyes will be on King’s next move and whether his consistent performances will earn him another shot in the league where he once excelled. One thing is certain: Marquette King's quest is far from over, and his journey back to the NFL is one to watch.