As the NFL season approaches, one veteran punter is on a determined quest to make a remarkable return to the league. Marquette King, now 35, is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit to once again don an NFL jersey. “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 recently declared, encapsulating his unwavering confidence and determination.
A Storied Career Begins in Oakland
Marquette King's NFL journey began in 2012 when he was signed by the Oakland Raiders. Over the next five years, King established himself as one of the premier punters in the league. In 2014, he led the NFL in punting yards, showcasing his powerful leg and accuracy. Among his career highlights with the Raiders was a monumental 72-yard punt, underlining his ability to change field position in a single play.
King's tenure with the Raiders, from 2012 to 2017, was marked by consistency and excellence. During his time in Oakland, he played 84 games, amassing 446 punts for 20,822 yards with 163 of those punts landing inside the 20-yard line. This remarkable record solidified his reputation as one of the top punters in the NFL. However, in 2018, King's journey took a detour when he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, only to be sidelined later that year due to a thigh injury. Placed on injured reserve and subsequently released, King faced a new set of challenges.
Revival through the UFL and XFL
Undeterred by his setback, King took his talents to alternative leagues, showcasing resilience and adaptability. He was named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades, proving his mettle in a league where punting presents unique challenges. Further highlighting his adaptability and skill, King excelled in the XFL, leading the league in punting yards in 2020 and becoming an XFL champion in 2023.
Despite this success, King has not transitioned back to the NFL following his UFL and XFL stints. However, his impressive performances have kept him in the spotlight, maintaining his ambition to return to the NFL. King's social media presence, featuring videos that showcase his punting prowess, further underscores his commitment to reclaiming his place in the league.
Aiming for an NFL Comeback
Now, with the NFL season on the horizon, Marquette King is setting his sights on 2024 as the year he makes his triumphant return. His goal is clear: to prove that he is still among the elite punters capable of excelling in the NFL. King's declaration that there aren't “32 punters better than me” is more than just confidence—it's a statement backed by a decade-long career filled with impressive achievements and a demonstrated ability to overcome adversity.
The NFL landscape is ever-evolving, and teams are constantly on the lookout for players who can make a difference. King’s track record, combined with his recent accolades in the UFL and XFL, positions him as a viable candidate for any NFL team in need of a proven, reliable punter. As he waits for that pivotal call, Marquette King's journey stands as a testament to his unyielding determination and love for the game.
For NFL teams in search of a seasoned and accomplished punter, Marquette King’s story is a compelling narrative of resilience and skill. Whether he lands with a team before the season kicks off or during the course of the year, there is little doubt that King will be ready to seize his opportunity, proving once again that his place is among the best in the National Football League.