“It’s kind of like you just don’t love the game of football,” Rob Gronkowski said about Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney in December 2023 when he dropped a few balls in crucial moments. The Gronk also praised the receiver for his athletic skills. But the questions about the love for the game always remained. Yet, Patrick Mahomes won 2 Super Bowls with him before trading him to the Browns in 2024. They also released him mid-season. Since then, he has been a free agent. This forced him to take drastic steps.

On Thursday, April 17, the wide receiver took to Instagram Live to deliver a shocker to his fans: he announced his decision to retire from the NFL and pursue his creative passion. The NFL player revealed that he plans to launch a full-time music career as a rapper under the name Yung Joka — his new endeavor. He is stepping into an industry which, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) Global Music Report 2024, is worth $28.6 billion.

Even after winning two Super Bowls, he hasn’t had a buyer in free agency until now. This might have played a big role in his hanging up his cleats. The last few months have also been turbulent for the 26-year-old athlete. In February this year, Kadarius Toney was arrested in Georgia and later released.

Moreover, he has always been interested in the $28.6 billion rap music scene. The WR started free styling in elementary school, which turned into a passion by the time he reached college. He often shared videos on social media with his fans, even while playing in the league. But it’s a loss for the league. He is still very young.

While the shocking news surprised the fans, some of them delved into his past performances. He was a force on the field before injuries derailed his career.

Did Kadarius Toney mock Patrick Mahomes over the SB loss?

The NY Giants chose him in the first round (20th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft. He suffered an oblique injury in 2021 and a hamstring injury in 2022, forcing him to miss games. Then he came to the Chiefs midseason in 2022. In the Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles, he caught a record 65-yard punt return and a 4th quarter TD to help them win.

Next year, Kadarius Toney made mistakes in the field, causing the Chiefs to bench him as an injury report designation. His IG Live (venting points) caused a storm when he claimed he wasn’t injured. But things didn’t change. This year, when Patrick Mahomes & co. lost the game, he shared an IG story with the Batman photo and logo up in the sky. Fans buzzed that he was mocking his former team.

In 4 years of his NFL career, the WR played 35 games (10 starters) and recorded 82 receptions for 760 yards and 3 touchdowns. He even had 1 rushing TD. While fans would have wanted him to return, he has chosen his destiny. But a return is never off the charts.