At 35 years old, Marquette King is far from ready to hang up his cleats. The former NFL punter, who began his professional career with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, is determined to make a comeback to the league he once dominated. "You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me," King recently exclaimed, as he continues his quest to return to the NFL.
A Distinguished Career with the Raiders
King's journey in the NFL started with the Raiders, where he played from 2012 to 2017. During his tenure, he consistently ranked among the league's elite punters, leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014. Demonstrating exceptional skill, King recorded a career-long punt of 72 yards and played in 84 games with the team. Over these games, he accumulated 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 of those kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. Such statistics highlight not just longevity, but consistent excellence in his position.
Challenges and Setbacks
In 2018, King signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his time with the team was cut short due to a thigh injury that landed him on injured reserve in October of the same year. Shortly thereafter, King was released from the Broncos, marking a significant setback in his career. Determined to prove his worth, King didn't step away from the sport he loves.
Revival and Success Outside the NFL
King took his talents to various leagues, making a notable impact. He led the XFL in punting yards in 2020 and became an XFL champion in 2023. More recently, King has been named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades. Despite these accomplishments, King still has unfinished business in the NFL. His performances have shown that his abilities have not waned, even as he continues to showcase his skills in different leagues.
Eyes on the NFL
With the NFL season fast approaching, King remains steadfast in his goal to return to the top level of professional football. "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 asserted. His confidence is neither misplaced nor lacking in evidence; his social media channels frequently feature videos showcasing his still-impressive punting ability.
While some former players moved from the UFL to the NFL after its inaugural season, King was not among them. Yet, this has not dampened his spirits. Instead, it has fueled his determination to prove that experience, skill, and tenacity can still earn him a spot on an NFL roster. King aims for 2024 to be the defining year in his comeback story.
Should King succeed in his quest, he would not only add a remarkable chapter to his career but also inspire countless others who face professional setbacks. His journey underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence and the enduring belief in one's abilities, even after significant challenges.
The football world will be watching closely to see if Marquette King can indeed make the leap back to the NFL. One thing is certain: his quest is far from over, and his resolve remains as strong as ever.