Marquette King is on a mission. The 35-year-old punter, known for his flamboyant style and impressive leg strength, is vying for a return to the NFL. Despite his age, King believes he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. "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 confidently on social media.
A Storied NFL Career
King's journey in professional football began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012. Over six seasons with the Raiders, King established himself as one of the top punters in the league. In 2014, he led the NFL in punting yards and recorded a career-long punt of 72 yards. By the time his tenure with the Raiders ended in 2017, King had played in 84 games, accumulated 446 punts for 20,822 yards, and landed 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line. These impressive stats solidified his reputation as a formidable punter.
A Brief Stint and a Setback
In 2018, King signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his time in Denver was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve by October of the same year. The Broncos subsequently released him, leaving King on the sidelines and questioning his future in the NFL.
Resurgence in Alternative Leagues
Not one to be easily deterred, King turned to other football leagues to keep his skills sharp. He joined the XFL, where he led the league in punting yards in 2020. Most recently, he played for the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League (UFL), earning All-UFL punter honors. Despite his accolades, King was not among the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following its inaugural season.
Continued Excellence and Ambitions
King's determination has only grown stronger. In 2023, he hoisted the XFL championship trophy, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. As the NFL season approaches, King remains undeterred by his absence from the league. He recently posted a video on social media showcasing one of his powerful punts, a subtle reminder to NFL teams of his enduring talent. King's goal is clear: he aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place in the NFL.
King's story is one of resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities. At 35, he refuses to let age define his career. Instead, he continues to strive for excellence, hoping to once again hear his name called by an NFL team. With his impressive track record and current form, it's not hard to believe that Marquette King could indeed find his way back to the NFL spotlight.