Marquette King's Quest for an NFL Comeback
At 35 years old, Marquette King is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. The former NFL punter, who made a significant mark during his tenure with the Oakland Raiders, is making headlines with his ambitious quest to return to the league that first put him on the map.
"You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me," King declared defiantly in a recent social media post. "All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon."
In 2012, King began his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders, where he quickly proved his mettle. Between 2012 and 2017, he became one of the league's standout punters, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards and placing 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line. His crowning achievement came in 2014 when he led the NFL in punting yards. Additionally, he posted a career-long punt of 72 yards, a testament to his powerful leg and precise technique.
Despite his impressive run with the Raiders, King's career took an unexpected turn in 2018. He signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, but a nagging thigh injury led to him being placed on injured reserve in October of that year. King's journey with the Broncos came to an abrupt end when he was released following his injury recovery.
However, King's passion for punting never waned. In 2020, he joined the XFL and led the league in punting yards. His efforts culminated in becoming an XFL champion in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades. Despite his success, King did not make the transition from the UFL to the NFL after its inaugural season, a move that has fueled his current quest.
Recently named the All-UFL punter, King continues to illustrate his prowess on the field, a feat he showcased in a recent social media video. With the NFL season approaching, King's eyes are firmly set on a 2024 comeback.
The journey of an athlete is often filled with highs and lows, and King's career is no exception. Yet, his determination and unwavering belief in his abilities remain strong. "You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me," King reiterated, hinting at his readiness to seize any opportunity to prove himself once more in the NFL.
As football enthusiasts watch King's story unfold, only time will tell if his relentless drive and impressive track record will earn him another shot at the NFL. For now, Marquette King continues to train, striving to turn his aspirations into reality in the upcoming 2024 season.