Punter Marquette King's Determined Journey Back to the NFL
At 35 years old, Marquette King is on a determined quest to return to the NFL, a league in which he made a significant impact during his tenure. King, who was recently named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades, is confident in his abilities and aspirations.
"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 declared, emphasizing his belief in his talent and readiness.
King's NFL journey began in 2012 with the Oakland Raiders, where he quickly established himself as a standout punter. Over his six-year stint with the Raiders, King played in 84 games, leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014. His impressive performance also included a career-long punt of 72 yards and a total of 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 of those landing inside the 20-yard line.
In 2018, King made a move to the Denver Broncos, signing a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract. However, his time with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Subsequently, King was released from the team, an unexpected turn that marked a challenging period in his career.
King's journey didn’t end there. In 2020, he emerged as a leading figure in the XFL, where he once again led the league in punting yards. His persistence and skill on the field culminated in becoming an XFL champion in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades. Despite his achievements, King was not among the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following the league's inaugural season.
As the new NFL season approaches, King has been actively showcasing his talent on social media, including a recent video highlighting one of his remarkable punts. His aim is clear: to make 2024 the year he reclaims his place in the NFL, a goal fueled by his unwavering confidence and demonstrated performance in various leagues.
King's determination and resilience are evident as he continues to strive for another shot at the NFL. With his extensive experience and proven track record, it's hard to argue against his assertion. The football world will be watching closely to see if this veteran punter will once again grace the NFL fields, ready to remind everyone of the prowess that once made him one of the top names in the game.