In the midst of another thrilling NFL season, one player is making headlines not from the field, but from his determined journey to return to it. Marquette King, a name once synonymous with punting prowess, is on a mission to reclaim his spot in the league he once dominated.
At 35 years old, King is not letting age deter his aspirations. After an impressive career with the Oakland Raiders, spanning from 2012 to 2017, King’s professional journey has been anything but conventional. Known for his powerful leg, King led the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and recorded a career-long punt of 72 yards. Over his 84-game tenure with the Raiders, King became a staple, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards and landing 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line.
However, not all chapters of King’s NFL saga went according to plan. In 2018, he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, a move that many anticipated would elevate his career further. But fate had other plans. After being placed on injured reserve in October 2018 due to a thigh injury, King was subsequently released from the Broncos, leaving his NFL future uncertain.
But King’s resilience shone as he quickly pivoted to opportunities outside the NFL. He thrived in the XFL, leading the league in punting yards in 2020, and more recently, he was crowned an XFL champion in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades. Additionally, his excellence didn’t go unnoticed in the United Football League (UFL), where he was named the All-UFL punter, further cementing his legendary status in leagues where punting is notoriously challenging.
Despite his accolades, King remains focused on returning to the NFL. “You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me,” King proclaimed. “All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon.” His confidence isn’t misplaced; his statistics and performances in various leagues showcase a talent that remains unchallenged.
King's journey hasn’t just been about maintaining his skills but also about adapting and proving his worth time and again. His commitment to staying in top form is evident in the videos he posts on social media, showcasing his punts and reminding NFL teams of what they’re missing. As the NFL season draws near, the timing of his campaign couldn’t be more strategic.
The story of Marquette King is one of determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. As he eyes a return to the sport’s highest level in 2024, fans and analysts alike watch with anticipation. Will an NFL team heed his call and provide him with another shot at glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Marquette King is not done writing his football story.