Marquette King Seeks NFL Return at 35
Marquette King, a name familiar to NFL fans, is making headlines once again. At 35 years old, the talented punter is determined to make a return to the NFL. King's journey through professional football has been both impressive and tumultuous, marked by standout performances and unfortunate setbacks.
King began his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders in 2012, a tenure that extended until 2017. During his time with the Raiders, King played in 84 games and achieved remarkable feats. He led the NFL in punting yards in 2014 and posted a career-long punt of 72 yards. His statistics with the Raiders are a testament to his prowess, accumulating 446 punts for 20,822 yards, with 163 kicks landing inside the 20-yard line.
In 2018, King signed a lucrative three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. However, his stint with the Broncos was short-lived due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Following his release from the Broncos, King faced an uncertain future in the NFL.
Despite this setback, King did not hang up his cleats. Instead, he found opportunities in other leagues. In 2020, he led the XFL in punting yards, continuing to showcase his skills to any potential NFL suitors. His resilience and talent were further validated when he became an XFL champion in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades, where he was named the All-UFL punter.
"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 stated in a passionate social media post. This quote encapsulates not only his confidence but also his unwavering determination to return to the NFL.
King's path has not been without its challenges, but his aspiration remains clear. With the NFL season fast approaching, he has his sights set on 2024 as the year to reclaim his place among the league’s elite punters. Recently, he posted a video on social media showcasing one of his punts, a signal to NFL teams that his talent remains undiminished by time or past injuries.
While King was not among the players who transitioned from the UFL to the NFL after its inaugural season, his career continues to be one of resilience and perseverance. His talent was on full display when he led the NFL in punting yards back in 2014, and his recent achievements in the UFL and XFL suggest that he still has much to offer.
As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, King’s journey serves as a reminder of the dedication and tenacity required to compete at the highest levels of professional football. Whether an NFL team will extend him an offer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marquette King is not done yet. His quest to return to the NFL is a testament to his enduring passion for the game and his belief in his abilities.
The football world will be watching closely to see if this seasoned punter can make his long-awaited return to the gridiron. Given his track record and recent performances, it would be unwise to count him out just yet.