Marquette King's Quest for NFL Redemption
Marquette King is a name known to many football enthusiasts and a persona that continues to echo on the fields of lesser-known leagues. The 35-year-old punter is on a determined quest to return to the NFL after stints with various teams and leagues, each shaping his journey in unique ways.
King's professional football career began in 2012 when he joined the Oakland Raiders. Over the next five years, he established himself as one of the league’s standout punters. King's time with the Raiders was highlighted by him leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posting an impressive career-long punt of 72 yards. In total, he played in 84 games with the Raiders, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards, including 163 punts landing inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Despite his significant contributions to the Raiders, King's journey took a challenging turn. In 2018, he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his tenure with the Broncos was short-lived, as a thigh injury placed him on injured reserve by October 2018. Following this setback, King was released from the Broncos, which marked a difficult phase in his professional trajectory.
Undeterred by his NFL setbacks, King continued his punting career with commendable resilience. He showcased his skills in the XFL, leading the league in punting yards in 2020 and eventually becoming an XFL champion in 2023. His performance in the United Football League (UFL) as the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades also reaffirmed his talent. Despite these achievements, King was not among the players transitioning from the UFL to the NFL following its inaugural season.
With the NFL season approaching, King remains optimistic about his future. He has publicly shared his sentiments on social media, posting videos showcasing his punting prowess. In a recent quote, King asserted, "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’s confidence and unwavering determination reflect his deep-seated belief in his abilities and a clear goal – to return to the NFL. He has set his sights on 2024 as the year he reclaims his place in the league, a goal that resonates with his followers and fans who have witnessed his journey through the highs and lows of professional football.
As King continues his quest, his story is a compelling testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. Whether he achieves an NFL comeback remains to be seen, but Marquette King's resilience and achievements have already solidified his place in the annals of football lore.