Marquette King's Path Back to the NFL: A Punters Journey
Marquette King, a name once synonymous with booming punts and dazzling sideline celebrations, is on a determined quest to make a return to the NFL. At 35 years old, the seasoned veteran has a resume that many in his profession would envy, yet he finds himself on the outside looking in, hoping for another shot at the big league.
King’s journey began in 2012 with the Oakland Raiders, where he quickly made a name for himself as a punter with a powerful leg and a flair for the dramatic. Over the course of his tenure with the Raiders, which lasted until 2017, King established himself as one of the league’s top punters. He led the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posted a remarkable career-long punt of 72 yards. In total, King played in 84 NFL games, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 of those landing inside the 20-yard line.
Despite his impressive track record, King's journey has seen its fair share of ups and downs. In 2018, he signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, a move that many thought would solidify his place as one of the top punters in the league. However, his time in Denver was cut short by a thigh injury, which led to him being placed on injured reserve in October of that year. Eventually, the Broncos released him, bringing a premature end to his stint with the team.
Not one to be deterred, King found new opportunities outside of the NFL. He was named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades and showcased his skills in the XFL, where he led the league in punting yards in 2020. Most recently, King became an XFL champion in 2023, reaffirming his status as one of the premier punters in any league.
Despite his successes outside the NFL, King remains focused on making a return to the highest level of competition. Recently, he posted a video on social media showcasing one of his punts, a reminder to NFL teams of the talent and skill he still possesses. With the NFL season approaching, King is hopeful that his efforts will pay off and that 2024 will be the year he reclaims his place among the elite punters in the league.
King is vocal about his belief in his abilities. “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,” he said, expressing his confidence and readiness to return to the NFL spotlight.
Yet, despite his determination, the path back to the NFL is fraught with challenges. The league is incredibly competitive, and teams are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent. However, King's wealth of experience and proven track record provide him with a unique edge over younger competitors.
Marquette King's story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in his own abilities. As he trains and prepares for another shot at NFL glory, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, rooting for a remarkable comeback. Should he succeed, it will not only be a testament to his skills as a punter but also to his relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.