Marquette King Jr. Bio
Marquette King Jr. (born October 26, 1988) is an American professional football punter for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Fort Valley State Wildcats and was signed by the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2012. King led the NFL in punting yards in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Marquette King was born and raised in Macon, Georgia, by his parents Audrey and Marquette King Sr. He has a younger sister named Jasmine. King began his journey in football during high school, initially aspiring to be a wide receiver. However, after his teammates declined his invitation to practice punting, he decided to challenge himself and began punting during his free time. His high school coach quickly recognized his talent and named him the team’s punter. King attended Rutland High School, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the game. After high school, he continued his education and football career at Fort Valley State University, where he was originally recruited as a wide receiver. However, he struggled to find playing time at that position and eventually transitioned to punting, which would define his professional career.
Path to American Football
At Fort Valley State University, King faced challenges as he was initially recruited as a wide receiver but found success as a punter. His head coach encouraged him to focus solely on punting, threatening to revoke his scholarship if he did not. This ultimatum motivated King to excel, and he became an All-First-team Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference member in his senior year. During the 2011 season, he led the conference in punting with an impressive average of 43 yards per punt. After completing his college career, King participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in 2012, showcasing his skills to professional scouts. Despite going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, he caught the attention of the Oakland Raiders, who invited him to try out for the team.
Marquette King Jr. Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Marquette King’s professional career began when he signed with the Oakland Raiders on April 29, 2012, after impressing the coaching staff during a tryout. Initially placed on injured reserve for the entire 2012 season, he made a significant impact in the following years. In 2013, King won the punting job and led the league in gross yards per punt with an average of 48.9 yards. In 2014, King had a breakout season, leading the NFL in punting yards with 4,930 on 109 punts, setting single-season franchise records for the Raiders. His performance earned him recognition and established him as one of the top punters in the league.
Breakthrough (2015–2017)
In 2015, King signed a one-year contract extension with the Raiders, further solidifying his position on the team. He continued to excel, earning the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors during the season. In 2016, King signed a five-year contract extension worth $16.5 million, which included $12.5 million guaranteed. His unique personality and on-field celebrations garnered significant media attention, making him a fan favorite. However, in March 2018, the Raiders released King, ending his tenure with the team. His time with the Raiders was marked by his impressive statistics and entertaining style, which left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Marquette King has achieved several milestones, including being named a Second-team All-Pro in 2016 and leading the NFL in punting yards in 2014. His dynamic playing style and ability to perform under pressure have made him a standout player in the league.
Marquette King Jr. Award Nominations
Marquette King has received recognition for his outstanding performances on the field, including being named to the All-UFL Team in 2024 and earning accolades as a punter during his college career.
Marquette King Jr. Awards Won
King has achieved significant milestones in his career, including being an XFL champion in 2023 and leading the XFL in punting yards in 2020. His accomplishments reflect his dedication and talent as a professional football player.
Marquette King Jr. Family
Marquette King was born to Audrey and Marquette King Sr. He has a younger sister named Jasmine. Details about his personal life and family beyond this are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Information regarding Marquette King’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly disclosed. He remains focused on his professional career and contributions to the sport.
