Marquette King Eyes NFL Return, Confident in His Abilities
Punter Marquette King is on a quest to return to the NFL, confident that his skills still warrant a spot in the league. Now 35, King has crafted a storied career that currently sees him plying his trade in alternative football leagues. His latest endeavor has been with the Arlington Renegades, where he was named the All-UFL punter, confirming his continued excellence in his craft.
"You can't tell me that there are 32 punters better than me," King boldly declared in a social media post. "All-UFL Punter in a league where punting isn't easy at all! I'm manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon." It's clear that King believes he still belongs among the best in the NFL and is hopeful for a call from the league.
King’s journey is marked by impressive milestones and significant challenges. After going undrafted, he began his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, where he played until 2017. During his tenure, King not only led the NFL in punting yards in 2014 but also posted a career-long punt of 72 yards. By the time he left the Raiders, he had played in 84 NFL games, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards with 163 kicks inside the 20-yard line.
In 2018, King signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, his stint with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. The injury led to his release from the team, effectively ending his time in the NFL—at least temporarily.
Not one to be deterred, King continued to stay active in football by performing at a high level in the United Football League and the XFL. His efforts paid dividends, as he led the XFL in punting yards in 2020 and became an XFL champion in 2023. Despite these achievements and his evident talent, King was not one of the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL following its inaugural season.
King’s tenacity and perseverance shine brightly in his continued pursuit of an NFL return. His latest efforts include posting a video on social media showcasing one of his punts, coupled with a pitch to NFL teams, hoping to catch the attention of scouts and executives. His vast experience and sustained performance, even outside the NFL, notably underline that King’s skills have only improved with time.
With the NFL season fast approaching, King remains optimistic about 2024 being the year he reclaims his place in the league. Whether manifesting a call from a team or continually proving his mettle in other leagues, King’s journey serves as a testament to his dedication and belief in his abilities.
As the number of high-caliber punters in the league remains limited, one would argue there might indeed be a space for a player of King’s stature and experience. With a career already filled with significant achievements, Marquette King is poised and ready for another shot at the NFL, determined to once again showcase his talent on football’s biggest stage.