Marquette King’s Quest for an NFL Return: A Journey Through Resilience and Determination
At 35, Marquette King is once again setting his sights on the NFL, demonstrating a relentless drive that has characterized his football career. With his last appearance in the league dating back to 2018, King has been honing his craft and proving his worth in various other leagues, recently being named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades.
King's journey began in 2012 when he started his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders. Over the next five years, he cemented his reputation as one of the league's premier punters, leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posting a career-long punt of 72 yards. During his tenure with the Raiders, King played in 84 games, amassing 446 punts for 20,822 yards and placing 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line.
His performance with the Raiders earned him a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2018. However, King's time in Denver was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Subsequently released by the Broncos, it seemed as though King's NFL journey had come to a premature end.
"You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me," King recently stated emphatically. "All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon."
Following his departure from the Broncos, King refused to be sidelined. He continued to showcase his skills in the XFL, where he once again led the league in punting yards in 2020. His perseverance paid off in 2023 when he became an XFL champion, further solidifying his credentials and reaffirming his ability to perform at a high level.
Despite his success in other leagues, King's absence from the NFL has been felt. The punter has not transitioned back to the NFL since his time in the UFL, demonstrating both the challenge and competitive nature of reclaiming a spot in the major league. However, he remains undeterred, recently posting a video on social media showcasing one of his impressive punts, a move aimed at catching the eye of NFL scouts and teams.
With the NFL season approaching soon, King's ambition is clear. He aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place in the NFL. His combination of professional success, resilience, and determination positions him as a prime candidate for an NFL return. The football community watches with keen interest to see if King will once again don an NFL jersey and demonstrate his punting prowess on one of the sport's biggest stages.
Marquette King's career journey is a testament to his tenacity and skill. Only time will tell if an NFL team will recognize the value he continues to offer and provide him with the opportunity to add to an already storied career.