Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney has shockingly announced his retirement from football with the intent to pursue an entirely different career.
The controversial player made the announcement on Instagram Live this week, telling his fans he’s done with the game and wants to be recognized as rapper “Yung Joka” moving forward.
Check his music video out here:
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Kadarius Toney went on IG live and said that he is retiring from the NFL and wants to be considered a rapper instead of a football player.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 17, 2025
Yung Joka is now the name he prefers to be called. pic.twitter.com/Dxq4RSl82S
Toney has been releasing music via Soundcloud under the name, going as far back as 2018, and has songs on Spotify from 2019. It appears he’s ready to make hip-hop a singular focus, given the way his football career has panned out.
The 27-year-old was selected as a first-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL draft. He was traded to the Chiefs after just a season and a half.
Kadarius Toney Has Had a Troubling 2025
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Toney made 20 appearances for Kansas City, registering 41 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns. While he did win two Super Bowls with the team, his time was hardly well-spent, and their breakup was acrimonious.
He signed with the Cleveland Browns last September before being released in December.
The WR was arrested in Georgia in February following a report of a domestic violence incident. He is alleged to have strangled a woman the previous month, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, with bail set at $25,000 each for counts of aggravated assault and obstructing 911 calls.
He was released on the same day of his arrest after paying $50,000 bail.
The former Chiefs wideout has 4,600 followers and 19,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and another 580 followers on Soundcloud.
