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Tim Toone
Tim Toone
from Wikipedia

Timothy Lee Toone (born February 14, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Detroit Lions with the final pick (255th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft, earning the title of Mr. Irrelevant. He played two years of NCAA Division I FCS college football for the Weber State Wildcats in Ogden, Utah.

Key Information

College career

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After serving a two-year mission to West Africa for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Toone began a four-year college football career with the Weber State Wildcats.

In his first Wildcats season, Toone had more punt returns (10) than catches (7) but had 275 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving with 95 yards and a touchdown returning punts. He finished with an average of 39.28 yards per reception (34.37 yards per game).

Toone had a more productive season as a wide receiver in his second season with 32 catches, 698 yards, and 10 touchdowns, having started all 11 games for the Wildcats (12 of 19 games started in his two seasons). He averaged 63.45 yards per game (21.81 yards per reception and 2.9 receptions per game) and had 10 touchdowns.

Heading into the 2010 NFL draft, Toone finished his college career with 1,100 total yards (973 receiving and 127 punt returning) and 13 touchdowns (12 receiving and 1 punt return).[1] In his March 2010 Pro Day, Toone posted a 4.42 second 40-yard dash time and a vertical jump of 36 inches.[2]

Professional career

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Detroit Lions

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Toone was selected in the seventh round as the 255th and final selection of the 2010 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, thus earning the moniker Mr. Irrelevant.[3][4] On September 4, 2010, Toone was one of the final cuts as Detroit reduced its roster to the 53-man limit. However, the Lions re-signed Toone to their practice squad the next day.[5]

Toone was placed on the practice squad's injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury on October 7, 2010.[6] He was re-signed to a future contract on January 5, 2011. Toone was waived during final cuts on September 3, and re-signed to the Lions' practice squad on September 21. The Detroit Lions released Toone again on September 27, 2011.

Buffalo Bills

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On October 11, 2011, the Buffalo Bills signed Toone to their practice squad.

Denver Broncos

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On January 10, 2012, the Denver Broncos signed Toone to the practice squad. Toone was waived on April 30, 2012.

Atlanta Falcons

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Toone was signed by the Atlanta Falcons on July 25, 2012. He made the 53-man roster for the first time. He was cut on September 6, 2012, due to a hamstring pull, but later re-signed on November 13, 2012. On July 23, 2013, Toone was waived by the Atlanta Falcons.[7]

New Orleans Saints

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On July 30, 2013, Toone was signed by the New Orleans Saints. On August 27, 2013, he was waived by the Saints.

Post-playing career

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As of 2020, Toone works as an ICU nurse in Arizona.[8]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Timothy Lee Toone (born February 14, 1985) is an American former professional football who played briefly in the (). At , Toone enjoyed a standout college career from 2006 to 2009 after serving a two-year mission in , amassing 206 receptions for 3,607 yards and 29 touchdowns over 46 games—records that still stand for the program. He earned two-time All-American honors, led FCS in punt return average during the 2009 season with 19.89 yards per return (378 yards on 19 returns, including two touchdowns), and contributed to a championship while setting multiple school marks, including a 95-yard punt return touchdown. Selected by the as the 255th and final pick of the —earning him the moniker ""—Toone signed with the team but did not appear in a regular-season game during his rookie year. Following his release from the Lions in 2011, he joined the s of the and before signing with the , where he spent time on both the active roster and through 2013. Toone did not appear in any regular-season NFL games during his professional career. He signed a one-year contract with the Saints for $480,000 in 2013 but was released prior to the season. After retiring from professional football, Toone pursued a career in nursing, becoming a family nurse practitioner and owner of Toone Family Medicine PLLC in Peoria, Arizona. In recognition of his collegiate accomplishments, Toone was inducted into the Weber State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 185 pounds during his playing days, Toone was known for his speed and return abilities, averaging 24.94 yards per reception in his Weber State tenure.

Early life

High school career

Tim Toone was born on February 14, 1985, in . Although born and raised partly in Arizona, Toone is associated with Hooper, Utah, through his family. He attended Peoria High School in his hometown, where he lettered three years in football as a and also lettered in track. During his senior year in 2002, Toone recorded 37 receptions for 1,125 yards, setting an state record for yards per reception at 30.4. Toone earned First Team All-State honors under coach Doug Clapp for his performance. Following his senior season, Toone attracted recruitment interest and signed with in February 2003. However, he deferred enrollment to serve a two-year church mission.

Pre-college mission

Following his graduation from high school in 2003, Tim Toone served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in , specifically in the countries of , , and . During this period, from late 2003 to late 2005, Toone engaged in proselytizing efforts, sharing his faith and participating in activities, which were central to the missionary experience. Raised in a devout Mormon family, Toone's decision to serve was influenced by his upbringing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where such missions are a common for young men. The immersion in West African cultures profoundly shaped his , fostering skills through daily responsibilities of teaching and organizing community outreach, as well as building resilience amid challenging living conditions. In later interviews, Toone reflected on how the mission enhanced his maturity, teaching him to appreciate simple joys and clarify his life goals despite material hardships observed among the local populations. This experience delayed his full college enrollment and football career, causing him to begin playing at at age 21 after redshirting the 2005 season.

College career

Early seasons (2006–2007)

Tim Toone enrolled at in 2003 but redshirted that season before serving a two-year LDS Church mission in , returning to join the Wildcats for the 2006 football season as a redshirt freshman in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) . Playing under head coach , Toone adjusted to with limited offensive opportunities early on, appearing in nine games without a start. In 2006, Toone recorded 7 receptions for 275 yards and 2 , averaging an impressive 39.3 yards per catch, showcasing his potential as a deep threat despite his modest role behind established receivers. He also contributed on special teams with 10 punt returns for 95 yards and 1 , adding versatility to his emerging profile. The Wildcats finished the season with a 4–7 overall record and 3–5 in conference play, tying for sixth place in the Big Sky amid a rebuilding effort under McBride. Toone's role expanded in 2007 as a sophomore, where he started three of 11 games and established himself as a key big-play receiver with 32 receptions for 698 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 21.8 yards per reception. His scoring prowess included tying a school record with four touchdown catches in a single game against Sacramento State, highlighting his red-zone effectiveness and speed. Toone continued as the primary punt returner, though his returns were limited that year. Weber State improved slightly to a 5–6 overall record and 4–4 in the Big Sky, tying for fourth place and showing progress in offensive output.

Later seasons (2008–2009)

In his junior year of 2008, Tim Toone emerged as a standout wide receiver for the Weber State Wildcats, recording 84 receptions for 1,525 yards and seven touchdowns, which set a new school and Big Sky Conference single-season record for receiving yards. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Sky honors and second-team All-American recognition from The Sports Network, highlighting his role as a key offensive weapon. Toone's contributions were instrumental in Weber State's co-championship in the Big Sky Conference, securing an automatic berth to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs, where the team advanced to the quarterfinals before a 24-13 loss to Montana. During his senior season in 2009, Toone built on his previous success, leading the team with 83 receptions for 1,109 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns while also excelling as a punt returner. He topped the FCS in punt return average at 19.9 yards per return, amassing 378 yards on 19 returns and scoring two touchdowns, including a 95-yard return against Sacramento State that marked the longest in Big Sky history. This versatility earned him another first-team All-Big Sky selection, along with All-American honors, as he provided dynamic leadership for a Wildcats squad that finished the regular season 7-4 (overall 7-5) and earned a first-round playoff berth, though they fell 38-0 to William & Mary. Toone's explosive plays and reliability helped elevate Weber State's postseason profile during these years.

Records and accolades

During his tenure at Weber State University from 2006 to 2009, Tim Toone established himself as one of the most prolific wide receivers in program history, amassing 206 receptions for 3,607 yards and 29 touchdowns over 46 games. These figures remain the all-time school records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns as of 2025. Additionally, Toone excelled as a punt returner, accumulating enough yards to rank third in Weber State history in that category. Toone's standout performances earned him significant recognition within the , including First-Team All-Big Sky honors as a in both 2008 and 2009. In 2009, he also secured First-Team All-Conference honors as a , leading the nation with a 19.9-yard punt return average and setting a Big Sky record with a 95-yard punt return . His contributions extended to multiple All-Conference selections across his career, highlighting his versatility on offense and special teams. On the national stage, Toone was a two-time All-American, earning the distinction in both 2008 and 2009 for his explosive playmaking ability. In 2009 specifically, he received First-Team honors from . These accolades underscored his role in helping Weber State achieve a championship and playoff appearances during his junior and senior seasons. Toone's statistical dominance has left a lasting legacy at Weber State, with his receiving records enduring more than 15 years later and continuing to set the standard for future Wildcats wide receivers. His achievements not only elevated the program's offensive output but also cemented his status as a transformative figure in Weber State football history.

Professional career

2010 NFL Draft

Tim Toone, a from , was selected by the with the 255th and final pick of the , earning him the honorary title of "."[] As the last pick in the seven-round draft, Toone's selection capped a process where he was viewed as a long shot due to his background at an FCS program and his smaller stature of 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds.[] Despite being ranked as the 62nd-best receiver in his draft class by services, Toone's strong senior season—where he set school records for receptions (206), receiving yards (3,607), and touchdown catches (29)—drew enough interest to secure his spot.[] Toone's draft narrative captured widespread media attention, highlighted by his journey as a who served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in before beginning his college career at age 21.[] Outlets like and Fox 13 covered his story, emphasizing how the mission delayed his football development but fueled his determination, turning him into a record-setting and receiver.[] Following the draft, Toone participated in "Irrelevant Week" festivities in , a including parades, awards, and celebrity events organized by the family of the title's creator, .[] On July 6, 2010, Toone signed a three-year contract with the Lions, providing him with drafted player status and a chance to compete for a roster spot as a and depth receiver.[] The "" moniker, coined in 1976 by former player , has been bestowed on the draft's final pick each year since, often with humorous fanfare but occasional success stories; notable examples include kicker (2009, Kansas City Chiefs), who became the first Mr. Irrelevant to play in a and win one with the .[]

Detroit Lions

Following his selection in the 2010 NFL Draft as the final pick, Tim Toone signed a three-year rookie contract with the on July 1, 2010, valued at approximately $1.241 million, including a of $5,000. The deal was standard for a seventh-round selection and positioned him to compete for a roster spot during . Toone's primary opportunities came in the preseason, where he appeared in all four games , logging limited offensive snaps as a depth behind established starters like and . His role emphasized special teams contributions, particularly as a potential punt returner, leveraging his college experience with 378 punt return yards and two touchdowns during his senior season at Weber State. In those preseason contests, he recorded 2 receptions for 23 yards on 2 targets, along with 2 rushing attempts for 6 yards, but had no punt returns or touchdowns. He did not appear in any regular-season games during his rookie year. Despite showing promise in camp and preseason—where scouts noted his speed and return ability—Toone was waived on August 31, 2010, as the Lions reduced their roster to 53 players. He was re-signed to the the following day, on September 6, 2010, providing depth without active game involvement. His time on the practice squad ended on October 5, 2010, when he was placed on practice squad injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury. Toone returned for the 2011 training camp and was re-signed to the Lions' in late August, continuing his role in special teams drills and as a developmental receiver. However, he was released from squad on September 28, 2011, to make room for another player. Throughout his tenure with the Lions, spanning parts of two seasons, Toone remained on the periphery of the active roster, focusing on special teams without recording any regular-season statistics.

Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos

Following his release from the Detroit Lions in September 2011, Tim Toone signed with the ' practice squad on October 11, 2011, to provide depth at amid injuries to the position. His stint with the Bills was short-lived, as he was released from the on October 24, 2011, to accommodate the addition of Jay Ross. During this brief period, Toone did not appear in any regular-season games and focused primarily on practice duties to aid team development. Toone then joined the ' practice squad on January 9, 2012, shortly after the team's playoff loss in the wild-card round of the 2011 season, offering him indirect exposure to the postseason environment though he was not elevated to the active roster. On January 16, 2012, the Broncos signed him to a reserve/future contract, positioning him for potential opportunities in the 2012 season. However, Toone was waived by the Broncos on April 30, 2012, during the offseason, ending his time with the team without any regular-season appearances; his role had emphasized special teams preparation and overall skill development on the practice unit.

Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints

Following his release from the Denver Broncos in 2012, Toone joined the Atlanta Falcons, where he had previously spent time on the active roster late in the 2012 season. Heading into the 2013 training camp at age 28, Toone competed primarily as a wide receiver and potential special teams contributor amid a crowded depth chart that included established talents like Roddy White and Harry Douglas. Despite showing promise as a deep threat in prior preseasons, he was waived by the Falcons on July 23, 2013, during the preseason roster trimming process. One week later, on July 30, 2013, Toone signed with the as a , providing another opportunity to secure a spot or contribute on special teams. He appeared in at least one preseason game for the Saints, catching one pass for five yards against the on August 15, 2013, but faced stiff competition from receivers like and Lance Moore. The Saints waived Toone on August 27, 2013, as they reduced their roster ahead of the regular season. Toone did not appear in any regular-season games during his stints with or Saints in 2013, recording no official statistics that year. These brief engagements marked the conclusion of his professional playing career.

Post-playing career

Nursing career

Following his retirement from professional football in 2013, Tim Toone transitioned into healthcare by pursuing a education. Motivated by the physical toll of his athletic career, he sought to assist others in maintaining their health, stating that after getting "beat up a lot" in football, he and his peers wanted to help people care for themselves. By 2020, Toone had established himself as an (ICU) nurse at a hospital in . Toone advanced his professional qualifications, becoming a certified (FNP) with an enumeration date of December 15, 2021. In June 2022, he founded and served as owner of Toone Family Medicine PLLC in , a practice specializing in and services. By 2025, Toone continued his independent practice as a in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including affiliations with rehabilitation and medical provider groups in Peoria, where he manages conditions such as and provides comprehensive patient care. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to leveraging perseverance from his football background in delivering critical and primary healthcare.

Hall of Fame induction

In 2024, Tim Toone was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the program's 2024 class, honoring his standout contributions to Wildcat football from 2006 to 2009. The induction class was announced on September 12, 2024, and included other notable figures such as and Kelsey Griffin. The induction banquet took place on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Eccles Conference Center in , where inductees were formally celebrated. Toone was further recognized the following day during Weber State's home football game against McNeese State at Stewart Stadium. This event highlighted his role as a two-time All-American and key player in the 2008 Big Sky Conference championship team. Toone's induction specifically celebrated his record-setting , during which he established Weber State records that remain unbroken: 206 career receptions, 3,607 receiving yards, and 29 touchdown receptions over 46 games. These achievements underscore his explosive playmaking ability as a , including ranking third in school history for single-season receiving yards with 1,595 in 2009. The honor also spotlighted Toone's unique path to professional football as the 2010 NFL Draft's "," the final pick overall by the , following a delayed college start after a two-year LDS mission in . Now pursuing a career in , Toone's induction reflects the enduring legacy of his underdog story from FCS football to the and beyond.

References

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