Punter Marquette King, at 35 years old, is unwavering in his determination to make a return to the NFL.
A Stellar Start
King's NFL journey began with the Oakland Raiders in 2012. A punter with a distinctive flair, King quickly made his mark in the league. Over the course of six seasons with the Raiders, he played in 84 games and racked up impressive statistics. King led the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and notched a career-long punt of 72 yards. These accomplishments cemented his reputation as one of the premier punters during his tenure.
Throughout his time with the Raiders, King accumulated 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, with 163 of those punts landing inside the 20-yard line, showcasing his precision and power. However, his journey took a turn in 2018 when he signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, his stint with the Broncos was short-lived due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of the same year. Following the injury, King was released from the team, prompting uncertainty about his future in the NFL.
Proving Grounds Beyond the NFL
Undeterred, King sought opportunities to demonstrate his abilities outside of the NFL. He found success in the XFL, where he led the league in punting yards in 2020. Continuing his trajectory, King became an XFL champion in 2023, proving that his talent transcended the boundaries of the NFL.
King's prowess wasn't confined to the XFL alone. He made waves in the United Football League (UFL), where he was named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades. Despite the recognition, King was not among the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following its inaugural season. Nevertheless, his determination remained unshaken.
The Road to Redemption
As the new NFL season approaches, King is more determined than ever to return to the league. He recently posted a video on social media showcasing one of his powerful punts, making a strong case for his capability to compete at the highest level once again. "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 voicing his resolve.
King's aspiration to reclaim his NFL spot is not just a personal ambition but a testament to his enduring spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport. Despite the hurdles and setbacks, he continues to push forward, aiming for 2024 to be the year he re-establishes himself in the NFL. His journey serves as an inspiration, a reminder that passion and perseverance are integral to achieving one's goals.
For fans and NFL teams alike, Marquette King's story is far from over. As the season draws near, the league may well see the return of a punter whose unique style and exceptional skill once made him a standout player. The path has been arduous, but for King, the pursuit of his NFL dream remains steadfast, fueled by an unwavering belief in his abilities and an unyielding drive to prove that he belongs among football's elite.