Marquette King: The Punters' Pundit Eyes an NFL Comeback
Marquette King, a name synonymous with elite punting, is on a mission to make an emphatic return to the NFL. At 35, King’s journey through professional football has been adorned with remarkable milestones and dramatic turns, highlighting both his talent and resilience.
A Storied NFL Career
King’s NFL journey began in 2012 with the Oakland Raiders, where he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier punters. Over the course of his five-year tenure with the Raiders, King played in 84 games, amassing an impressive 446 punts for 20,822 yards, including a career-long 72-yard punt. Notably, his consistency was evident as he placed 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line. His prowess was unmistakable in 2014 when he led the NFL in punting yards, cementing his reputation as an exceptional talent.
A Rocky Road with the Broncos
In 2018, King’s career took a new turn when he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his stint with the Broncos was cut short. Plagued by a thigh injury, King was placed on injured reserve in October of the same year and later released, marking a bitter end to a promising chapter.
A Dominant Force in Alternative Leagues
King’s undeterred spirit found new avenues in alternative football leagues. His talent shone through in the XFL, where he led in punting yards in 2020 and triumphed as an XFL champion in 2023. More recently, King's performance with the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League (UFL) earned him the title of All-UFL punter, further solidifying his legacy as a formidable punter in any league.
The question hanging in the air now is whether there will be an NFL team willing to bring King back into the fold, a prospect he eagerly anticipates. "You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me,” King passionately asserts. “All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon.”
The Quest for 2024
Undoubtedly, King’s confidence in his abilities remains steadfast as he looks ahead to the upcoming NFL season. With the clock ticking towards the new NFL season, King is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to reclaim his place among the elite punters in the league. His recent social media posts showcase his formidable skills, serving as a loud reminder of what he brings to the table.
At 35, King doesn't just bring veteran experience to the field; he brings a wealth of knowledge, consistency, and an indomitable will to succeed. His journey from the highs of leading the NFL in punting yards to battling back from injury and dominating in the XFL speaks volumes about his resilience and determination.
As the NFL gears up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on whether King receives that long-awaited call. For now, he continues to train and manifest his return, knowing that his journey has already left an indelible mark on the world of professional football. Whether the next chapter sees him grace an NFL field or continue to dominate in alternative leagues, one thing is certain: Marquette King’s legacy is far from over.