In a stunning turn of events, former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney has announced his retirement from the NFL to pursue a career in music. The 26-year-old athlete made the revelation during an Instagram Live session, leaving fans and analysts in disbelief. Toney also declared that he now prefers to be called “Yung Joka,” signaling a full pivot from his football identity to his new persona as a rapper.
A Promising Yet Turbulent NFL Career
Kadarius Toney, a first-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL Draft, was once hailed as a dynamic playmaker with immense potential. Known for his explosive speed and agility, Toney showed flashes of brilliance early in his career. However, his time in the league was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field challenges. After being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, Toney played a limited role but contributed to the team’s Super Bowl LVII victory, including a touchdown catch and a record-setting 65-yard punt return in the game.
Despite the high of the Super Bowl win, Toney’s tenure with the Chiefs was rocky. He struggled with drops and was often criticized for his lack of focus, culminating in his release from the team earlier this year. After brief stints with other franchises, Toney’s NFL journey appeared to be on shaky ground, but few expected him to walk away from the sport entirely.
From Gridiron to the Mic: Toney’s New Chapter
Toney’s decision to retire and pursue a rap career under the moniker “Yung Joka” has raised eyebrows, but it’s not entirely out of character. The Florida native has long been open about his love for music, often sharing snippets of his rap performances on social media. During his Instagram Live session, Toney expressed his desire to leave football behind and fully dedicate himself to his passion for music.
“I’m done with football, man,” Toney reportedly said on the live stream. “I want to be a rapper. That’s my dream. Call me Yung Joka from now on—I’m not a football player anymore.” The statement, while bold, reflects Toney’s confidence in his ability to succeed in a new arena.
Toney isn’t the first athlete to transition into entertainment, but his abrupt exit from the NFL at such a young age is rare. Other NFL players, like Antonio Brown, have dabbled in music while still maintaining ties to football, but Toney’s full commitment to his rap career sets him apart.
Fan Reactions: Support, Skepticism, and Memes
The announcement has elicited a wide range of reactions from fans and the NFL community. Some have praised Toney for following his dreams, with comments like, “Respect to him for chasing what he loves, even if it’s not football.” Others, however, have been less supportive, questioning whether Toney has the talent to make it in the competitive world of rap. “From dropping passes to dropping bars? I’ll believe it when I hear it,” one X user quipped.
Memes and jokes have also flooded social media, with many poking fun at Toney’s new stage name, Yung Joka. One viral meme featured a photoshopped album cover with Toney’s face, captioned, “Yung Joka’s debut single: ‘Can’t Catch a Break.’” Despite the skepticism, Toney’s announcement has undeniably captured the internet’s attention, making him a trending topic across platforms.
What’s Next for Yung Joka?
As Kadarius Toney—now Yung Joka—steps away from the NFL, all eyes will be on his next moves in the music industry. While he has yet to release an official single or project under his new alias, fans are eager to see if he can translate his athletic charisma into musical success. The rap world is notoriously tough to break into, but Toney’s NFL fame could give him a platform to kickstart his career.
For now, Toney’s departure marks the end of a short but eventful NFL career and the beginning of an uncertain yet intriguing new chapter. Whether Yung Joka will become a household name in the rap game remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kadarius Toney is ready to trade his cleats for a mic and take on a whole new challenge.
