Kadarius Toney: A Promising NFL Career Marred by Challenges
Kadarius Toney, born on January 27, 1999, in Mobile, Alabama, is an American football wide receiver known for his agility and playmaking abilities. He attended Blount High School, where he showcased his versatility as a quarterback, amassing over 6,500 passing yards and 1,700 rushing yards, culminating in 84 total touchdowns during his junior and senior years.
Toney continued his football journey at the University of Florida, transitioning to the wide receiver position. Over his collegiate career, he appeared in 38 games, recording 120 receptions for 1,590 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 580 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His senior year was particularly impressive, earning him recognition and boosting his draft prospects.
Kadarius Toney: Family Background
Kadarius Toney was born to parents Dana Toney and Angela Williams. His father, Dana, is a military veteran who currently works for the United States Postal Service. His mother, Angela, is employed by Huntington Ingalls, the largest military shipbuilding company in the United States.
Toney was raised with six older siblings, three of whom followed in their father’s footsteps by joining the military. This strong military background instilled in him values of discipline and perseverance, which have been evident throughout his football career. While specific details about his siblings are limited, it’s clear that Toney’s family has played a significant role in shaping his character and work ethic. Their support has been a cornerstone of his journey from high school standout to NFL player.
Kadarius Toney: NFL Career
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Toney was selected 20th overall by the New York Giants. His rookie season was marred by injuries, limiting his impact on the field. Midway through the 2022 season, the Giants traded Toney to the Kansas City Chiefs. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first NFL touchdown in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Toney played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVII, setting a record with a 65-yard punt return and catching a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown.
Despite these highlights, Toney’s tenure with the Chiefs was inconsistent. He underwent knee surgery in July 2023 but returned for the season opener. However, performance issues, including multiple dropped passes, plagued his season. In May 2024, the Chiefs declined the fifth-year option on his contract, and by August 2024, Toney was released.
Following his release, Toney signed with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad in September 2024. He was promoted to the active roster in November but struggled to make a significant impact, appearing in three games without recording a catch. His stint with the Browns was short-lived, as he was released in December 2024 after a particularly poor performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he muffed a punt and incurred a costly taunting penalty.
Kadarius Toney: Legal Issues
On February 6, 2025, Toney was arrested in Georgia on one count of aggravated assault and one count of obstructing 911 calls. Allegations state that Toney had strangled a woman in Georgia on January 14, 2025. A warrant was issued for his arrest on January 15, and his bail was set at $25,000 for each count. On the day of his arrest, he was released after paying a $50,000 bail. His legal troubles have cast a shadow over his football career, raising concerns about his future in the NFL.
Kadarius Toney: Career Overview
- Teams: New York Giants (2021–2022), Kansas City Chiefs (2022–2024), Cleveland Browns (2024)
- Super Bowl Rings: Two (Super Bowl LVII with the Chiefs in 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024)
- Contract and Earnings: Toney’s rookie contract with the Giants was a four-year deal worth $13.7 million. Details of his subsequent contracts with the Chiefs and Browns have not been publicly disclosed.
- Age: 26 (as of February 2025)
- 40-Yard Dash Time: Toney recorded a 4.39-second 40-yard dash during his pro day at the University of Florida.
- Draft Pick: 20th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
- Career Stats: Over four NFL seasons, Toney has played in 35 games, recording 82 receptions for 760 yards and four total touchdowns.
- Fantasy Football Outlook: Due to injuries and inconsistent performance, Toney has been a volatile option in fantasy football, often considered a high-risk, high-reward player.
- Off-Field Issues: Toney’s recent arrest in February 2025 has raised concerns about his future in the NFL.
Conclusion
Kadarius Toney’s journey in the NFL has been a blend of promising talent and challenges. His early career showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker, but injuries, performance inconsistencies, and legal issues have hindered his progress. As of now, his future in professional football remains uncertain.
