Marquette King: The Punter's Journey from NFL Star to UFL and Back Again
At 35 years old, Marquette King might not be the fresh face he once was in the NFL, but the tenacious punter is on a determined quest to return to the league. Known for his unique style and impressive athleticism, King has spent the years since his departure from the NFL proving that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
King’s professional journey began in 2012, when he started his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders. Over the course of six seasons with the team, King became known not just for his powerful leg, but for his entertaining personality on and off the field. By 2014, he had led the NFL in punting yards, showcasing his strength and consistency as a punter. His career-long punt of 72 yards remains a testament to his skill and power.
During his tenure with the Raiders, King played in 84 games, amassing 446 punts for a total of 20,822 yards, with 163 of those punts landing inside the 20-yard line—critical numbers for any team looking to control field position. Despite these achievements, his journey with the Raiders came to an end in 2017.
In 2018, King signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Denver Broncos, a move that many fans saw as a fresh start. However, his time with the Broncos was cut short due to a thigh injury that placed him on injured reserve in October of that year. Following this setback, King was released, leading some to wonder whether his career in the NFL had reached its end.
But King wasn't ready to hang up his cleats. Instead, he took his talents to the XFL, where he led the league in punting yards in 2020. More recently, King has found success in the United Football League (UFL) with the Arlington Renegades, where he has been named the All-UFL punter. His efforts in the UFL culminated in a championship in 2023, underscoring his continued excellence in the sport.
Despite his success in other leagues, King's steadfast ambition has been to return to the NFL. He recently took to social media to showcase his punting prowess, posting a video that highlighted his still formidable leg strength. "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. His conviction is clear—he believes he belongs back in the NFL, ready to prove any doubters wrong.
As the new NFL season approaches, King's determination only seems to grow. He has set his sights on 2024 as the year he reclaims his place in the league. While the competition for NFL roster spots is fierce, King's combination of experience, skill, and resilience makes a compelling case for his return.
Whether or not an NFL team will take a chance on King remains to be seen. However, his journey through the ups and downs of professional football, his resilience in the face of setbacks, and his continued success in other leagues demonstrate that Marquette King's story is far from over. As he continues to push for another shot at the NFL, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if his next punt could be back on the biggest stage of them all.