Marquette King's NFL Comeback: A Quest for Redemption
In a career filled with highs and lows, 35-year-old punter Marquette King is determined to carve out another chapter in the NFL. King, who began his professional journey with the Oakland Raiders back in 2012, is on a mission to prove he still belongs among football's elite.
King's NFL career has been nothing short of remarkable. He played with the Raiders until 2017, amassing impressive stats that showcased his prowess on the field. Leading the league in punting yards in 2014 and achieving a career-long punt of 72 yards are just glimpses of his talent. During his tenure with the Raiders, King played in 84 games, accumulating 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, with 163 kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. Such statistics cemented his reputation as one of the premier punters of his time.
However, King's journey took an unexpected turn in 2018. He signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, a move that was anticipated to solidify his place in the league. Unfortunately, his stint was short-lived as he was placed on injured reserve in October due to a thigh injury. The injury led to his release from the Broncos, an incident that many believed would close the NFL chapter of his career.
But King is not one to easily surrender to challenges. Displaying resilience and persistence, he ventured into other leagues to keep his punting skills sharp. King's talent shone bright in the United Football League (UFL), where he was named the All-UFL punter with the Arlington Renegades. "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, exuding confidence and determination.
King's excellence was not confined to the UFL. He also made a significant impact in the XFL, leading the league in punting yards in 2020 and becoming an XFL champion in 2023. Despite these achievements, transitioning from the UFL to the NFL has proven to be a formidable task. Yet, King's unwavering resolve continues to drive him forward.
With the NFL season fast approaching, King has set his sights on making a return in 2024. His recent accomplishments with the Arlington Renegades and his unabated commitment to the game make a compelling case for NFL teams in need of a seasoned and skilled punter. King's journey is a testament to his enduring passion for football and his unyielding aspiration to excel at the highest level.
Social media has become a platform for King to showcase his talent and state his case for an NFL return. In a recent video, he displayed one of his signature punts, further fueling speculation about his potential comeback. The video was well-received, adding to the chorus of voices advocating for his return to the league.
Indeed, the story of Marquette King is one of grit, skill, and an untiring quest for redemption. As he aims for 2024 to be the year he reclaims his place in the NFL, it's clear that King's journey is far from over. Whether he receives that long-awaited call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marquette King has never stopped being a formidable force in the realm of professional football.