Rumors began circulating this week suggesting that former New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney was stepping away from football to pursue a career in music.
The speculation stirred up a flurry of online chatter, but Toney, a player known for his blunt personality, didn’t let the rumors sit for long.
On Friday, the 2021 first-round pick took to his Instagram story to shut down the talk in no uncertain terms. In a short, direct message, he wrote:
“Goofies on the net hollerin I’m retiring. Just want clout.”
Toney’s response was clear—he wasn’t retiring, and he certainly wasn’t leaving football to chase a new career in music, despite the rumors.
For fans and followers who may have doubted his commitment, Toney left little room for interpretation, bringing attention to what he viewed as an attempt to stir drama for attention.
A Rollercoaster NFL Journey
Toney’s NFL career has been anything but typical. After being drafted by the Giants with the 20th overall pick in 2021, he entered the league with high expectations. Known for his exceptional speed, elusive running, and playmaking ability, he was poised to become a key weapon for New York’s offense. However, his journey in the league has been marked by injuries, inconsistency, and a series of off-field distractions that have prevented him from realizing his full potential.
During his time with the Giants, Toney showed flashes of brilliance, especially in his rookie season, where he recorded 39 receptions for 420 yards.
His ability to make defenders miss with his agility and quickness was evident, but injuries hampered his progress. After battling through several injuries, including hamstring issues and other nagging ailments, Toney struggled to stay on the field consistently.
In a surprising turn, Toney’s career took a new direction when he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. There, he found success in a new offensive system, contributing to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite playing a relatively minor role during the postseason, Toney’s contributions in the Super Bowl—most notably his punt return for a touchdown—solidified his place in NFL history as a Super Bowl champion.
However, the challenges didn’t end there. Toney’s time in Kansas City was also marred by injuries and a lack of consistency in his performances, which limited his potential within the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
A Short Stint with the Cleveland Browns
After his time with the Chiefs, Toney had a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns in 2023. Though the move was expected to help him get back on track, it didn’t go as planned. He was released by the Browns in December after struggling with injuries and failing to make a significant impact on the field.
To date, Toney has recorded 82 catches for 760 yards and three touchdowns across his career. While these numbers don’t reflect the potential that many had seen in him coming out of college, they also show flashes of the playmaking ability that made him a first-round pick in the first place.
The Future: Free Agent Status and Uncertainty
With free agency still wide open for Toney, his future in the NFL remains uncertain. Though he made it clear in his recent social media post that he’s not retiring anytime soon, questions linger about his ability to stay healthy and consistent enough to earn another opportunity.
Injuries have certainly taken a toll on the former Florida Gator, and off-field distractions have only added to the challenges. Toney has been known for his outspoken personality, which has sometimes led to controversy, but many still believe that if he can remain healthy and focused, he could find success on the field.
At just 24 years old, Toney is still young by NFL standards, but with his past issues in mind, it’s unclear how many more chances he will get to prove himself.
If he’s able to stay healthy and focused, there’s still potential for him to make an impact on a team that can utilize his explosive skills.
As the NFL offseason continues, Kadarius Toney will likely be a player to watch. Whether or not he can land with a new team remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his football career is far from over.
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