Former Kansas City Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney has officially put to rest rumors that he’s hanging up his cleats from the NFL. Rumors had started circulating months ago as he shifted his attention more towards his emerging music career, but Toney went on social media to clarify.
No Retirement, Just Rhymes
Toney recently shared an Instagram story making one thing very clear: he’s not retiring. “I ain’t retiring,” he said matter-of-factly. The rumors started, Toney said, after he went live on Instagram to hype his music. He eventually confirmed that the live stream was merely for “klout,” and not a retirement announcement.
Though most people took his recent activity as an exit from the game, Toney appears to be unaffected by the misperception. Far from it; he enjoys the publicity. “It brings more eyes to the music,” he explained.
From First-Round Pick to Fringe Player
Toney arrived in the NFL with great expectations. A first-round draft choice by the New York Giants in 2021, he was touted as a dynamic playmaker possessing elite speed and agility. But it didn’t work out.
His stay in New York was tumultuous. Injuries and inconsistency dogged his early years. Mid-2022 saw him traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. For many, this was a clean slate. But in Kansas City, Toney once more could not get a foothold. Dropped passes, penalties, and erratic performances characterized his brief stay.
A Super Bowl Ring and a Brief Sojourn in Cleveland
Even though he underperformed, Toney was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning team. That’s a positive highlight in an otherwise unbalanced career.
In 2024, he signed with the Cleveland Browns. But that stint was forgettable. He appeared in only three games, had zero receptions, and was targeted once. It looked like his NFL days were numbered.
Turning to Music
With football prospects dwindling, Toney began to lean more into music. He’s been releasing tracks and building a small following. His pivot had many thinking he was abandoning football.
But to him, music is a hobby, not a substitute. “I can do both,” Toney proposed, leaving the door open for NFL prospects.
Career Stats Tell the Tale
Toney’s NFL statistics are unimpressive. In four years, he has 82 catches for 760 yards and three touchdowns. As a first-round pick, those statistics are well below expectations.
However, at only 26 years of age, there’s still a chance for a comeback if he wishes to pursue it.
What’s Next for Toney?
For the moment, Kadarius Toney is unsigned by any NFL team. But by making public denial of retirement, he’s sending out the message that he’s still on the market and willing to be picked up.
Whether someone gives him a shot is unknown. Until that time, though, he’ll continue grinding on the mic and, potentially, on the field.
Kadarius Toney isn’t hanging up the cleats quite yet. He’s just stirring up trouble in a different playing field for now.
