Kadarius Toney (Photo By Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
Kadarius Toney isn’t hanging up his cleats anytime soon. The former Giants first-round pick and current free agent took to Instagram Thursday to shut down rumors that he’s stepping away from football to focus solely on his rap career.

On Thursday, Toney himself went on Instagram Live to announce that he was retiring from football and beginning his rap career, claiming he goes by the name, “Yung Joka.”

On Friday, he took to IG to clear the air.

“Goofies on the net hollering im retiring,” Toney wrote on his Instagram story. “Just want klout… ain speaking on the nomo.” The wideout, also known by his rap name Yung Joka, didn’t just deny the talk- he flipped it, using the moment to plug his music while taking aim at the people spreading what he calls nonsense.

Toney With Unfinished Business

Kadarius Toney (Photo By Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Toney hasn’t signed with a team yet for the 2025 NFL season, and questions continue to swirl around his future in the league. Although he insists he’s focused on football, his road back to the field isn’t smooth.

The 25-year-old had a rough run in 2024. On top of a disappointing season, his February arrest has cast a shadow over his free agency. Police arrested Toney after an alleged domestic violence incident involving a pregnant woman. According to the incident report, the woman accused him of strangling her during a heated argument while she was holding their child. Officers noted red marks on her neck and signs of petechial hemorrhaging in her eyes.

Toney’s Insta Story (Photo Via Instagram / @__kt4__)
Toney later posted, then deleted, a message on Instagram seemingly referring to the allegations, writing, “MFs say anything when they think they right.” His legal case remains unresolved.

While that situation continues to develop, Toney remains vocal online. He isn’t backing down from the spotlight and appears eager to remind everyone that football is still his focus, even if the music gets some attention.

A month into the NFL’s free agency period, Toney remains unsigned. His raw talent is undeniable for teams, but the off-field headlines and inconsistent performance have raised doubts. Still, Toney has clarified that he’s not retiring. He’s ready for another shot and wants the league, and the fans, to know he’s not done yet.