When it comes to former high profile players like Kadarius Toney, they’re in a bit of hot water heading into the 2023 NFL Season with his new team in Kansas City. His performance, mentality and future with the franchise have been topics of debate for both fans and analysts alike embracing a similar response from social media that Toney may be done in Kansas City. There is disappointment, frustration and examination of the talent as well as his attitude in what happened with him being let go.

The Questionable Talent v Attitude Debate

Toney’s talent is undeniable. Brilliant at times and two Super Bowl rings to show for his efforts. Though John Danko said that kind of duo is hard to beat, “if he can’t play for Andy Reid or the quarterback Pat Mahomes, what in hell can he hope to do?” Danko explains the frustration of many fans. Now, while Toney has had all the advantages of being surrounded by one of the best coaches and quarterback in football, he appears to have wasted his opportunities due to lack of physical or mental discipline.

Richard Riccio even said

“He really is talented but he has the maturity level of a child. As they say, people fire themselves,”

In fact, talent does not guarantee NFL stardom. Toney was a footballing talent unable to realise his potential with an attitude many labelled as immature and troublesome, meaning maybe under the brash exterior of words he had already been signed off.

A History of Busts?

After Toney fell short of what was expected, it is perhaps inevitable that comparisons would be made to other draft picks who failed to maximize their potential. Jon Karp blasted, “Another of Gettleman’s busts!!!!!” As has been pointed out on Twitter, the reference to former New York Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman here is indicative of how Toney was viewed as a risky pick from day one. Some think Gettleman was betting on Toney’s raw athleticism but just missed the bigger red flags with his character.

The ones like Peter Svorinic:

“Terrible draft pick by Gettleman!”

Even back during his time with the Giants, it appears Toney brought baggage that ultimately would be impossible for him to shake. The predictable ending to his failure to develop into a usable player is an eventual release from the Chiefs.

Reactions Of Fans: Talent Over Character

Reactions to Toney’s release have been polarized, both positive and negative. To some, however, the interest is in his ability. To quote Rashad Jones, “Sign him to return kicks.” Meanwhile, others such as Reginald Mangum still hoped that Toney would spend the money wisely but coined him a “bust” and pointed out, to his credit at least, “he got 2 Super Bowl rings.” Those expressions are from a fraction of fans who feel Toney still has some utility to offer in an on-field role, even if it would likely have him playing out there only as a special teamer or perhaps balled the dime.

Yet most comments would seem to reflect a more cynical take. In just a sentence Daniel Busa described what most of them felt, Giants got that one wrong/right! This is why Toney has such a mixed bag of opinions: it was wrong to draft him, but maybe right not to keep him. Giants fans seem to take it a step farther, presumably feeling confirmed in their plans for Toney and burning up his jersey; Chiefs left holds the same store of thoughts now by large.

The Immaturity Factor

One thing mentioned repeatedly in the comments is Toney’s immaturity and unprofessionalism. Talented Fool — Glen Weber leaned into it “Don’t forget to Smile! He sucks”. This comment isn’t very subtly honest, and a lot of fans are going to take that sentiment because that’s what they feel: disappointed at the talent wasted by bad decisions again if Toney doesn’t show any inclination towards becoming better all around.

And it’s further doubled again by John Danko, who drops this into the fray: “He signed for a team with more of an ideal situation for their wideout and […nothing. More likely than not…nobody wants to put in the work that it takes suitable down and learn how to become an NFL player. In a system that has breathed life into countless careers, the disdain fans have for Toney’s inability to adjust and thrive in Kansas City raises questions on whether he ever wanted to start at wide receiver or need this job.

What’s Next for Toney?

So the question now is where does Kadarius Toney go from here. Some are encouraging with hopeful suggestions; others have thrown in the towel. Pete Fortunato: Well now He can coach pee-wee football… “Arena football here I come,” as others, like Chris Pettaway did believe his football career is over.

Still others, however, think Kadarius Toney might have a future in the NFL — just not much of one unless he ends up working as someone else’s second- or third-string receiver. Now Robert Canell: ha!)“where are all the experts saying we got taken by KC! I mean, no one had the foresight to interview him before he was drafted so that they could get a general idea of his character and personality! It implies Toney’s talent was so dazzling that teams were blind to the larger issues with his character. Of course, if Toney can sort out his issues away from the field he might still have a chance at carving out an NFL career.

That said, Kadarius Toney NFL future is murky. He hasn’t technically been cut by the Chiefs yet, but that could be more of a formality. As Bruce C. Kaufmann said,

“He has made his own bed now he must lie in it.”

For a deeper dive into Kadarius Toney’s NFL journey and the possibility of him finding a new team, explore our full article here.

Final Thoughts

Kadarius Toney went from promising draft pick to possible free agent in recent years. His on-field talent is unquestionable, but since he hasn’t fully been able to devote himself as a professional thanks in part because of the NFL’s almost unfair commercial demands (playing games Sunday through Monday only for many fans), he now teeters upon forgetting lines and scenery once thought they’d never go away from. It is yet to be seen, if he can save his career but one thing is clear: Toney’s future will depend on far more than natural ability. It will be just as dependent upon attitude and work ethic too!

Whether or not fans think his release was warranted, Toney’s story is far from over. It’s now up to him if he views this as a wakeup call and decides to change his performance — or fades into the background of NFL lore.