Marquette King's Quest for an NFL Comeback
Marquette King, a name synonymous with punting excellence, is determined to make his return to the NFL. At 35 years old, King is not ready to let his impressive athletic career fade away. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and with the upcoming NFL season approaching, he’s setting his sights firmly on a comeback.
Mastery in Both NFL and UFL
King’s NFL career began in 2012 with the Oakland Raiders, where he quickly made a name for himself. By 2014, King led the league in punting yards, showcasing his powerful leg with a career-long punt of 72 yards. His tenure with the Raiders lasted until 2017, during which he played 84 games and demonstrated his punting prowess with 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, including 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Such statistics stamped his mark as one of the premier punters in the league.
In 2018, King signed a substantial three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, his time with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that led to his placement on injured reserve in October of the same year. The injury ultimately resulted in his release from the Broncos, marking a significant setback in his career.
Not one to be easily discouraged, King switched gears and found success outside the NFL. He became an All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier punter. In 2020, he led the XFL in punting yards and went on to become an XFL champion in 2023.
A Message to the NFL
Despite his success in various leagues, King's ambition to return to the NFL remains unwavering. His recent accolades in the UFL and XFL have reiterated his undeniable talent. “You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me,” King declared passionately. “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 self-assuredness is paired with a robust resume that few can rival. He continues to showcase his skills, recently posting a video on social media featuring one of his phenomenal punts, further fueling his case for an NFL return.
The Road Ahead
As King continues to pursue his NFL dreams, he aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place in the league. His career thus far has been marked by incredible highs and challenging setbacks, but his resolve is stronger than ever. With the NFL season drawing near, franchises in need of a seasoned punter would do well to consider King's impressive track record and unyielding determination.
King’s journey is a testament to resilience and passion. Whether or not he secures a spot in the NFL remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marquette King is not finished. His commitment to his craft is unwavering, and his desire to compete at the highest level continues to burn brightly.
In an era where specialists often go unnoticed, King has ensured that the role of the punter is recognized and respected. As he waits for that coveted call, the football world watches with bated breath, eager to see if one of the game’s great punters will make a triumphant return to the sport’s grandest stage.