Kadarius Toney is setting the record straight after rumors circulated that he was leaving football to pursue a music career.
The former Kansas City Chiefs receiver, known by his rapper name “Yung Joka,” quickly took to social media to address the chatter, reassuring fans that football is still part of his future—despite his deep love for music.
Shutting Down the Claims
Rumors started swirling when an Instagram live stream seemed to suggest that Toney was ready to hang up his football cleats for good.
Some outlets picked up on the moment, reporting that the 26-year-old was planning to retire from the NFL and focus on his music career.
But Toney wasted no time putting those rumors to rest.
In an Instagram story, he fired back, writing, “Goofies on the net hollerin I’m retiring… just want clout.”
He made it clear that while music is a huge passion of his, he’s not done with football just yet.
“Love da attention for my music tho. It’s been a passion,” he added.
Toney’s Football Journey So Far
Toney’s football career has had its ups and downs. Drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, he showed flashes of his potential early on, including an impressive 189-yard receiving game.
However, injuries held him back during his time with the Giants, and he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
With the Chiefs, Toney won two Super Bowl rings but found himself less involved in the team’s offense by 2023.
After the Chiefs declined his fifth-year option last May, Toney briefly signed with the Cleveland Browns.
However, he was released in December, and as of now, he remains a free agent.
The Controversies and Legal Issues
While Toney’s football career has been full of potential, it has also been marred by controversy.
In 2023, he faced criticism for dropped passes and a costly offsides penalty that negated a game-winning touchdown during a Chiefs loss to the Buffalo Bills.
But the most troubling incident occurred earlier this year in January when Toney was arrested after being accused of strangling a woman.
The woman, who was later identified as his pregnant girlfriend, reportedly fled their home barefoot and sought help from a neighbor.
She claimed that Toney had choked her with enough force to impair her ability to breathe.
Police observed red marks on her neck and petechial hemorrhaging in her eyes. Toney was charged with aggravated assault and obstructing a 911 call.
The Legal Fallout
The accusations have been serious, and they led to an arrest warrant being issued for Toney on January 15, with a $25,000 bond for each of the two charges.
Toney was arrested the following month, but so far, he has not publicly addressed the case.
There has been no record of an attorney representing him, and little has been said about the legal proceedings.
What’s Next for Kadarius Toney?
Toney’s future in football remains uncertain. While he’s still a free agent, he’s made it clear that music will always be a part of his life, and it could be a potential avenue moving forward.
His legal situation, however, remains a major cloud over his career, and it’s unclear how it will impact his future in the NFL.
Toney’s story has been full of potential but also marked by controversy.
Fans will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for the once-promising star.