MARQUETTE KING

In the dynamic realm where sports and music collide, few individuals embody the spirit of versatility like Marquette King. From the gridiron to the stage, this NFL and XFL champion punter has seamlessly woven together his passion for football with a burgeoning career as a Pop/EDM/Hip Hop artist. Juggling the demands of punting for the Arlington Renegades and crafting beats, King gives us a glimpse into his daily routine, where he dedicates half his day to football training and the rest to creating music or crafting unique unisex jewelry. His ability to effortlessly blend these diverse pursuits showcases not only his athletic prowess but also his creative spirit. 

Recently, King took center stage at the 15th Annual David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic, a momentous occasion where he entertained a diverse audience with his musical talents. Reflecting on the experience, King shares the joy of meeting childhood idols and the thrill of getting the room hyped up with his music. As he prepares to release his upcoming single and music video, "I Can Kick A Ball," a playful fusion of his football background and musical prowess, King remains true to his authentic self, creating music with a genuine message and emotion. His journey, marked by highs like winning the 2023 XFL Championship and navigating lows with resilience, serves as an inspiration to all. With a full album set for release in 2024, King teases an immersive experience, likening it to a radio station on a video game, promising surprises and collaborations that echo the unique blend of influences that define his creative persona.

From dominating the football field to making waves in the music scene, how do you balance your passion for punting and your growing career as a POP/EDM/Hip Hop artist?

I spend half of the day training for football and then I usually have the rest of the day to create music or make jewelry. So, I kind of split up my day to dedicate time to each topic.

Performing at the 15th Annual David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic is a big deal. How does it feel to showcase your musical talents in front of such a diverse audience, and what can attendees expect from your performance?

It was super cool. I met a lot of people I used to watch when I was a kid on tv, so it was fun to be there and for some of them to vibe out to the music that was really cool too. I appreciate them for the opportunity to go there and get the room hyped up as much as I could. I had a lot of fun doing it and hopefully it can happen again next year.

"Sweet Tea" and "Summer Nights" showcase your musical versatility. How do you navigate the different genres, and is there a specific message or emotion you aim to convey through your music?

I like to create music that has a story and substance behind it. When you make music it’s a form of therapy, you vent on the tracks, so I want to make sure I put authentic feelings out there and things that aren’t too fictional.

Your upcoming single and music video, "I Can Kick A Ball," seems like a unique blend of your football background and music career. Can you give us a sneak peek into the inspiration behind this track?

It’s just me talking about how far I can kick a ball. I didn’t want to mix football and music together, but I was just like what the heck, why not? So, I decided to just make a song about kicking a ball.

As a punter for the Arlington Renegades, winning the 2023 XFL Championship must have been a career highlight. How does the energy and camaraderie on the field compare to the rush of performing live on stage?

I don’t know if you can really compare it because when it comes to art it’s different when people are singing your songs or vibing out to something you created vs something that was already created like punting. But I do appreciate both worlds. I think the thing that’s similar is you have people watching you, but it’s a different feeling when people are enjoying what you create and when I’m just kicking a ball on a field.

You started making beats in high school, then rediscovered your love for music during your time with the Raiders. How does the creative process of making music serve as an outlet for your mental health, and what impact do you hope your music has on your listeners?

I just hope that when people hear my music it can be relatable to them. When they want a happy and nice environment, I want them to be able to play music and just vibe out to it. Hopefully we have something in common when they hear what I’m talking about in my songs to where they want to keep playing it over and over.

Your musical journey includes inspiration from Calvin Harris and a mix of EDM, House, and Pop-Hop.

How do you ensure that your sound remains fresh and groundbreaking in an ever-evolving music industry?

I just try to focus on trying to find a way for my voice to fit on the track and bring my vibe to whatever the track is and hopefully it fits.

Aside from music, you create one-of-a-kind unisex jewelry. How does this creative outlet complement your musical endeavors, and where do you draw inspiration for your jewelry designs?

I really got into it during Covid. I was like man, what if I made my own jewelry and then I just started making it and wearing it. Sometimes I made the beads match whatever outfit I was wearing that day. I kept making more and more jewelry for myself and people kept asking me to sell it and I finally made a store for it. I feel like it’s another part of me- you got the music, the sports, and the jewelry.

Your off-field activities include lifting weights, playing basketball, running, Pilates, gaming, and traveling. How do these hobbies contribute to your overall well-being and possibly influence your creative process?

I mean you definitely have to stay in shape, especially when you’re performing you can get tired on stage if you’re not in shape. I actually like to move around a lot, so I have to continue running and working out.

As a dedicated philanthropist, particularly in feeding the homeless, how do you use your platform to bring attention to important causes, and why is giving back essential to you?

It’s important to give back because you get a really good feeling when you give to other people.

You've experienced success in both the NFL and the XFL. Looking back, is there a specific game or moment that stands out as a defining one in your football career?

I guess winning the championship because I’ve never won one before, to win the championship in the XFL definitely stood out.

Being born and raised in Macon, Georgia, how has your Southern upbringing influenced your approach to life, music, and sports?

Growing up my mom would let us listen to Hip Hop, so I listened to NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera – a lot of the pop artists. It created a lot of diversity when it comes to my music because I know the structure of how they created their songs, and it kept me open minded. That’s how I pieced my style together.

You've faced both highs and lows in your football career, from leading the league in punting yards to facing public criticism upon your release from the Raiders. How do you handle the challenges and

maintain focus on your goals?

At one point it took a while because the criticism that was put out there, a lot of it wasn’t true. The part that kind of made me freak out at times is when people would believe anything they heard. Some people would rather believe a lie, and not pay attention to the truth and it was a really aggravating time of my life at one point. Then I realized I needed to focus on my happiness, and it forced me to continue being myself because people always have a problem with someone who doesn’t act the way they want them to act. My main goal was to do things that made me happy, and I just focused on doing things I enjoy, things that make me smile, and not listen to the outside noise.

Your XFL journey includes playing for the St. Louis Battle hawks and, eventually, the Arlington Renegades. How does the XFL experience differ from the NFL, and what do you find most exciting about being part of the XFL?

The XFL is willing to take a chance on having a lot of fun. They are more about the entertainment, and they like to have fun. The NFL was more serious, so I really enjoy playing for the XFL. They show a lot of love and have an edgier brand and they understand entertainment is the main things that drives football.

You've been in the spotlight for your unique celebrations and dances following punts. How do you infuse creativity into your on-field persona, and do you ever incorporate elements of that into your music performances?

Yeah, I just do what I do- goofy and silly me. I just try to authentically be myself in whatever I do, whether it’s football or music, I just try to be that same person all the time.

With a full album release planned for early 2024, what can fans anticipate in terms of themes, collaborations, or surprises in your upcoming musical endeavors?

I’m actually really excited about this album. Grand Theft Auto is coming out with a new game in 2025 and I’ve always been a huge fan of the music they put on that video game, so I was like you know what, what if I make an album that sounds like a radio station on a video game. It’s a whole album that’s going to be structed just like the songs on that video game. It’s one of those things where I want you to just hit play and just let it ride the whole way, especially if you have a long trip, and just hit play and let it go. It’s going to be like listening to a radio station and I’m really excited about that. I have someone flying out that’s going to be the radio host, I have four random commercials so it’s going to be fun.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, on a track, who would it be, and what kind of music do you imagine creating together?

I would want to create a song with Calvin Harris and maybe Florida Georgia Line. I like country and they have a cool style when it comes to their music.

Your creative journey spans songwriting, acting, and sound engineering. If you could give advice to your younger self just starting in the entertainment industry, what would it be?

Don’t be too trusting because people will say they want to do one thing and a lot of things don’t get fulfilled, especially in the music industry. I would say keep an eye open on people you communicate with.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Always be yourself.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

Hmm. I’m not much of a reader. I would say a picture book.