Marquette King is on a determined mission to make his way back to the NFL. At 35 years old, the accomplished punter believes he still has plenty to offer, and his recent performances only bolster his confidence.
A Strong Start with the Raiders
King’s journey began when he joined the Oakland Raiders in 2012, marking the start of a promising career. Over the course of five seasons with the Raiders, he played in 84 games and accumulated an impressive resume. King led the NFL in punting yards in 2014, a testament to his powerful leg and precision. During his tenure with the Raiders, he recorded 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 of those kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. His longest career punt soared 72 yards, an achievement that exemplifies his skill and power as a punter.
A Stint with the Broncos
In 2018, King signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his time in Denver was cut short. In October of the same year, King was placed on injured reserve due to a thigh injury, ultimately leading to his release from the team. This setback could have marked the end of his NFL journey, but King’s resolve remained unshaken.
Continued Success in Other Leagues
Refusing to let his NFL departure define his career, King continued to showcase his talent in alternative football leagues. He made a notable impact in the XFL, leading the league in punting yards in 2020. More recently, King found success with the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League (UFL), where he was named All-UFL punter. In 2023, King celebrated becoming an XFL champion, underscoring his continued ability to perform at a high level.
The Road to Redemption
Despite his successes outside the NFL, King’s focus remains clear: a return to the league where he first made his mark. "You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me,” King asserted. "All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon." His belief in his talent is evident, and his recent performances lend credibility to his statement.
Showcasing His Skills
King has taken to social media to showcase his skills, posting videos that highlight his punts. These efforts are part of his strategy to attract the attention of NFL teams as the new season approaches. With the 2024 NFL season on the horizon, King’s determination to prove his worth as a top-tier punter is clear.
With his extensive experience, proven track record, and recent accolades, King remains a compelling candidate for any NFL team in need of a reliable and powerful punter. As he continues his quest, the football community watches with keen interest, waiting to see if 2024 will indeed be the year Marquette King makes his triumphant return to the NFL.