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Kadarius Toney

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Kadarius Toney
refer to caption
Toney with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023
No. 87 – Cleveland Browns
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1999-01-27) January 27, 1999 (age 25)
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:193 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Blount (Eight Mile, Alabama)
College:Florida (2017–2020)
NFL draft:2021 / round: 1 / pick: 20
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Career highlights and awards
NFL record
  • Longest punt return in Super Bowl history: 65 yards (LVII)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Receptions:82
Receiving yards:760
Receiving touchdowns:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Kadarius Toney (born January 27, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Toney played college football at Florida and was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.

After being traded by the Giants to the Kansas City Chiefs midway through his second season, Toney helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII with his play on special teams. However, due to on-field struggles the following year, he was released prior to the 2024 NFL season.

Early life

[edit]

Toney was born on January 27, 1999, in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Blount High School in Eight Mile, Alabama, where he was the starting quarterback for the last two years of his high school football career as a dual-threat quarterback.[1]

As a junior, Toney threw for 3,604 yards while rushing for 896 and having 53 touchdowns (37 passing, 16 rushing).[2] He was named Alabama 6A second-team all state selection, was selected to the AL.com Coastal Alabama first-team.[3] As a senior, Toney threw for 2,984 yards while rushing for 894 yards and having 47 touchdowns (32 passing, 15 rushing). He was labeled as Alabama 6A Back of the Year, made the 2016 AL.com Super All-State Team, named Offensive MVP of the 2016 AL.com All-Coastal Alabama team, and played in the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Classic.[4] He finished his high school career with a 20–5 record as a starter.

College career

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Toney was a consensus three-star recruit as a versatile athlete.[5] He received scholarship offers from South Carolina, Georgia Tech, South Alabama, Alabama, and Florida. Toney eventually chose the Florida Gators.[6]

During his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons, Toney was a reserve player for the Gators at wide receiver, running back, wildcat quarterback and special teams. As a senior in 2020, however, Toney's production increased dramatically. He led the Gators' potent offense with 70 receptions for 984 yards (14.1 average) while scoring 10 touchdowns.[7] In 11 starts he also contributed as a runner (19 carries, 161 yards, 8.5 yards per carry, one touchdown) and returner (seven kick returns, 155 yards, 22.1 average, 11 punt returns, 139 yards, 12.6 average, one touchdown). The Associated Press voted him second-team All-America as an all-purpose player [8] while the SEC league coaches voted him first-team all-conference.[9] Toney was also a finalist for the 2020 Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football.[10]

College statistics

[edit]
Florida Gators
Year G Receiving Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
2017 8 15 152 10.1 0 14 120 8.6 1
2018 12 25 260 10.4 1 21 240 11.4 0
2019 7 10 194 19.4 1 12 59 4.9 0
2020 11 70 984 14.1 10 19 161 8.5 1
Career 38 120 1,590 13.3 12 66 580 8.8 2

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+5⁄8 in
(1.82 m) 		193 lb
(88 kg) 		31+1⁄4 in
(0.79 m) 		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		 4.37 s 1.54 s 2.51 s 4.23 s 6.88 s 39+1⁄2 in
(1.00 m)		 11 ft 4 in
(3.45 m)		 9 reps
All values from NFL Combine[11][12][13]

New York Giants

[edit]

Toney was selected by the New York Giants in the first round with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.[14] He signed a four-year contract worth $13.7 million, on June 4, 2021.[15] Toney was placed on the team's COVID-19 reserve list at the start of training camp.[16] Toney started off slow, having only four receptions through the first three games. In Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints, Toney recorded six catches for 78 yards in the 27–21 overtime win. In Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, Toney had the best performance of his young career, recording 10 catches for 189 yards, breaking Odell Beckham Jr.'s Giants receiving record for a rookie, but was ejected for throwing a punch at Cowboys safety Damontae Kazee during the 44–20 loss.[17] Toney missed four weeks of the season due to an oblique injury.[18] On December 13, 2021, Toney was again placed on reserve/COVID-19 list.[19] Despite appearing in only ten games, Toney finished the season with the second-most receiving yards on the Giants with 420 on 39 receptions.[20][21]

Toney injured his hamstring in week 2 of the 2022 season.[22] The injury caused him to miss five games for the Giants. Before being traded, he only recorded two receptions for zero yards (one reception was for 2 yards, the other was for −2) and no touchdowns.[23]

Kansas City Chiefs

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2022 season

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Toney was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 27, 2022, in exchange for a third (which was later traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Darren Waller) and a sixth round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.[24] In Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Toney scored his first NFL touchdown.[25] In the 2022 season, Toney appeared in nine regular season games and recorded 16 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.[26]

In Super Bowl LVII, Toney set a Super Bowl record by recording a 65-yard punt return in the fourth quarter, surpassing Jordan Norwood's record of a 61-yard punt return in Super Bowl 50.[27] Toney caught a fourth quarter touchdown that helped put the Chiefs ahead for the first time all game. The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35.[28]

2023 season

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In July, Toney underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus that he suffered during the first practice of training camp.[29][30] However, he was able to return for the season opener against the Detroit Lions. Against the Lions, Toney had 1 reception for a single yard, as well as 1 carry for −1 yard in the 21–20 loss. He had 4 drops in the game including dropping two crucial passes:[31] the first drop bounced to Lions safety Brian Branch and went for a pick-six, while the second drop would've allowed the Chiefs to make room for a game-winning field goal if caught. Toney acknowledged full blame for the mistakes after the game ended.[32]

In Week 12, Toney missed his first game of the 2023 season with an injury designation of hip/ankle.[33][34]

In a Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, Toney was called for an offside penalty late in the fourth quarter, negating a play in which Travis Kelce made a cross-field lateral to Toney for what would have been the go-ahead touchdown with 1:12 remaining. The Chiefs went on to lose the game, 20–17.[35] Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid disagreed with the call after the game, while NFL referee Carl Cheffers told reporters that while players are sometimes warned before being penalized about incorrect alignment at the line of scrimmage, Toney's alignment was "beyond warning," and that "certainly, no warning is required, especially if they are lined up so far offsides where they’re actually blocking our view of the ball."[35][36]

In a Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots, Toney once again made headlines for bobbling a pass which resulted in an interception during the 4th quarter. The blunder overshadowed the Chiefs 27–17 victory with most headlines focused in on Toney's poor season-long performance. When asked for his thoughts on Toney, head coach Andy Reid came out in defense of Toney stating he "wasn't down on him."[37]

Week 15 was the last game of the 2023 regular season Toney would play for the Chiefs, missing weeks 16,[38] 17,[39] and 18[40] being designated with hip and ankle injuries.

He continued to not play during the playoffs, missing the wild card, divisional and championship rounds where he was again listed with an injury designation, with the championship round additionally carrying the "personal reasons" designation.[41]

On January 28, Toney courted controversy during an Instagram live broadcast in which he claimed he was not injured and that the Chiefs were falsely playing him on the injury report. He later apologised but did not retract the remarks.[42]

After being listed as inactive for the Super Bowl[43] he finished the 2023 season having appeared in 13 games and starting two. He finished with 27 receptions on 38 targets for 169 yards and one touchdown.[44] He earned a second Super Bowl title after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25–22 in Super Bowl LVIII.[45]

2024 season

[edit]

On May 2, 2024, the Chiefs declined the fifth-year option on Toney's contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.[46]

On August 27, Toney was released by the Chiefs.[47]

Cleveland Browns

[edit]

On September 9, Toney signed to join the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad.[48][49]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2021 NYG 10 4 39 420 10.8 38 0 3 6 2.0 7 0 0 0
2022 NYG 2 1 2 0 0.0 2 0 2 23 11.5 19 0 0 0
KC 7 3 14 171 12.2 38 2 5 59 11.8 32 1 1 1
2023 KC 13 2 27 169 6.3 18 1 11 31 2.8 14 0 1 0
Total 32 10 82 760 9.3 38 3 21 119 5.7 32 1 2 1

Postseason

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Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2022 KC 3 1 7 50 7.1 9 1 1 14 14.0 14 0 0 0
2023 KC Did not play
Total 3 1 7 50 7.1 9 1 1 14 14.0 14 0 0 0

References

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  1. ^ "Kadarius Toney, Blount , Athlete". 247Sports. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  2. ^ Thomas, Ben (May 17, 2016). "Will Alabama offer sway Florida commit Kadarius Toney?". AL.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  3. ^ Thomas, Ben (May 5, 2016). "Versatile Blount QB Kadarius Toney commits to SEC power". AL.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  4. ^ Inabinett, Mark (February 13, 2023). "Super Bowl champs get the best out of Kadarius Toney". AL.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  5. ^ "Kadarius Toney – Recruiting Profile". www.on3.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  6. ^ Spivey, Andrew (May 4, 2016). "Kadarius Toney commits to Florida Gators". GatorCountry.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  7. ^ "Kadarius Toney Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  8. ^ "2020 AP All-America Team". Associated Press. December 28, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  9. ^ Bratton, Michael Wayne (December 22, 2020). "2020 All-SEC Team announced following vote by the league's coaches". Saturday Down South. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  10. ^ "Travis Etienne Named 2020 Paul Hornung Award Finalists". Clemson Sports Talk. December 24, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  11. ^ "NFL Draft Prospect Profile – Kadarius Toney". NFL.com. March 5, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  12. ^ "Florida WR Kadarius Toney : 2021 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  13. ^ "Kadarius Toney 2021 NFL Draft Profile". ESPN. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  14. ^ Patra, Kevin (April 29, 2021). "Giants select Florida WR Kadarius Toney at No. 20". NFL.com. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  15. ^ Eisen, Michael (June 4, 2021). "WR Kadarius Toney signs rookie contract". Giants.com. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  16. ^ Schwartz, Paul (July 22, 2021). "Kadarius Toney goes on COVID-19 list on first day of Giants camp". New York Post. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  17. ^ Patra, Kevin (October 11, 2021). "Giants WR Kadarius Toney not expected to be suspended following ejection vs. Cowboys". NFL.com. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  18. ^ Traina, Patricia (December 21, 2021). "Giants Hopeful of Kadarius Toney's Return from Injury/COVID-19 List". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  19. ^ Benton, Dan (December 14, 2021). "Giants place Kadarius Toney on Reserve/COVID-19 list". Giants Wire. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  20. ^ "2021 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  21. ^ "Kadarius Toney 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  22. ^ Valentine, Ed (September 16, 2022). "Kadarius Toney has another hamstring injury, and 'maybe more'". Big Blue View. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  23. ^ Raanan, Jordan (October 20, 2022). "Sidelined Giants WR Kadarius Toney thinks he returned too soon". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  24. ^ Eisen, Michael (October 28, 2022). "Giants trade Kadarius Toney to Chiefs for draft picks". giants.com. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  25. ^ Goldman, Charles (November 13, 2022). "WATCH: Kadarius Toney hops into end zone for first touchdown with Chiefs". Chiefs Wire. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  26. ^ "Kadarius Toney 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  27. ^ Breech, John (February 12, 2023). "Chiefs' Kadarius Toney sets Super Bowl record for longest punt return on wild play that almost ends in a TD". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  28. ^ "Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  29. ^ Patra, Kevin (September 8, 2023). "Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: 'I have trust in' WR Kadarius Toney despite Thursday's drops". NFL.com. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  30. ^ Derrick, Matt (July 25, 2023). "Chiefs' Kadarius Toney has surgery for torn meniscus in his knee". AP News. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  31. ^ "Kadarius Toney – Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  32. ^ Baca, Michael (September 16, 2023). "Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney not dwelling on Week 1 drops: 'I know I could have made those plays'". NFL.com. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  33. ^ Taddeo, Frankie (November 25, 2023). "Chiefs Will Be Missing Three Key Offensive Weapons Against Raiders Sunday". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  34. ^ "Week 12 Injury Report | Chiefs vs. Raiders". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  35. ^ a b "Bills get go-ahead field goal late, take advantage of Chiefs penalty to hold on for 20–17 win". ESPN. Associated Press. December 10, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  36. ^ Salvador, Joseph (December 11, 2023). "Referee Explains Why Chiefs Weren't Warned on Kadarius Toney's Key Offsides Penalty". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  37. ^ Dubin, Jared (December 18, 2023). "Andy Reid 'not down on' Kadarius Toney despite WR's repeated struggles in big moments". CBSSports.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  38. ^ "Week 16 Injury Report | Chiefs vs. Raiders". Kansas City Chiefs. December 23, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  39. ^ "Week 17 Injury Report | Chiefs vs. Bengals". Kansas City Chiefs. December 30, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  40. ^ "Week 18 Injury Report | Chiefs vs. Chargers". Kansas City Chiefs. January 7, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  41. ^ Hamm, Timm (January 27, 2024). "Kadarius Toney Moves to List for 'Personal Reasons'". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  42. ^ Dajani, Jordan (February 7, 2024). "2024 Super Bowl: Kadarius Toney's status unknown for 49ers game after he addresses injury controversy". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  43. ^ "Super Bowl LVIII inactives: San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs". NFL.com. February 11, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  44. ^ "Kadarius Toney 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  45. ^ Maaddi, Rob (February 12, 2024). "Patrick Mahomes rallies the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25–22 over 49ers in overtime". AP News. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  46. ^ Teicher, Adam (May 2, 2024). "Source: Chiefs decline fifth-year option for Kadarius Toney". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  47. ^ Teicher, Adam (August 27, 2024). "Receiver Toney among players waived by Chiefs". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  48. ^ Gordon, Grant (September 9, 2024). "Ex-Giants, Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney signing with Browns practice squad". NFL.com. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  49. ^ "Browns sign WR Kadarius Toney to the practice squad". ClevelandBrowns.com. September 10, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
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