Marquette King signs with Denver, tells reporters he's never met Jon Gruden, adding to surprise of release

By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com
 

          aOne minute, Marquette King is going to Oakland’s facility to talk to some of the new coaches.

          All of a sudden, he’s basically fired.

          Oakland’s release of the Rutland and Fort Valley State grad, and All-Pro and Pro Bowler, shocked most observers, and was among the week’s biggest NFL topics.

          King is a punter.

          King is not shy.

          He had made as much a name for himself as a “personality” as much as one of the NFL’s best punters. King had become more well-known than many good position players.

          Speculation was that his personality – he is a social media maven, and is the most energetic, outgoing, quirky, and celebrating kicker in decades – clashed with new head coach Jon Gruden, who didn’t like a punter who got flags for celebrating big punts.

          But apparently the two had yet to meet. Now, they’ll meet as opponents, King signing Thursday with Denver.

          King had signed a 5-year, $16.5 million deal in 2016, and was given a 3-year, $7-million deal with Denver.

          King’s numbers in Denver because of the altitude are impressive, and yes, there was some revenge in his decision to stay in the AFC West.

          From Foxsports: Revenge factor played a role

         From 247sports: King never met Gruden

          From AOL: Did Gruden make King an example?

          From Denver Post: King will have to adjust his bronco celebration

          From Silverandblackpride.com: King goes ‘scorched earth’ on his former team

          And there was some Twitter reaction