The former first-round pick Kadarius Toney has never stayed out of headlines for long. The unpredictable wide receiver carved out an unusual NFL path. Another off-field development has fans talking again.
A social media clip stirred speculation that Kadarius Toney might be stepping away from football entirely. The buzz exploded online after a post suggested that Kadarius Toney was pivoting toward a music career under his rap alias, “Yung Joka.”
Ex-NFL receiver Kadarius Toney sparks retirement buzz with music focus
Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) watches a replay against the Detroit Lions during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) watches a replay against the Detroit Lions during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Rumors exploded in April 2025. A viral X post claimed that Kadarius Toney had retired from the NFL to pursue a career in rap music. The story spread fast across the platform. A video clip and commentary showed the former first-round pick craving fame as Yung Joka over football.
The 2021 first-round pick pushed back hard against the narrative. Free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney tackled the retirement speculation on his Instagram story. He clarified that social media twisted his comments from an Instagram Live session.
“Goofies on the net hollerin I’m retiring. Just want clout. Ain’t speakin on the s— nomo… Love da attention for my musik tho. It’s been a passion.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Kadarius Toney said that he is retiring from the NFL and wants to be considered a rapper instead of a football player.
Yung Joka is now the name he prefers to be called. pic.twitter.com/cf93NOJDHn
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 7, 2026
Kadarius Toney has not retired from football. He likes music. He wants to keep playing in the NFL. Kadarius Toney did not have a team for most of the 2025 offseason. He last played for the Cleveland Browns.
The 26-year-old receiver appeared in three games late in the season. Toney finished without a catch on just one target. His brief run ended after a muffed punt in a Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This led to his release in December.
The rap persona Yung Joka continues gaining attention online. A music video linked to the viral post even showed Kadarius Toney cruising in a Lamborghini while performing a track titled “RR.”
The situation remains unresolved. Kadarius Toney hasn’t shut the door on football. With no team contract and his music career heating up. The line between NFL comeback and full-time rapper is starting to blur.