WHEREAS, Shaka Toney is a native of West Philadelphia, specifically residing in the Wynnefield neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Toney lost his father, Anthony Toney, when he was just two years old. At age six, Toney and his four siblings were rushed out of a burning home by their mother, Debbie Toney. These early challenges fueled Toney’s ambition to overcome adversity and make a name for himself; and
WHEREAS, Toney attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School. In his senior year, he was named the Pennsylvania Football News Class AAA Defensive Player of the Year after recording 97 tackles and 21 sacks; and
WHEREAS, Toney first began playing college football for the Nittany Lions in 2016 as a top reserve and special teams contributor; and
WHEREAS, Toney tied the Penn State sack record with four sacks in a single game in 2018. In 2019, Toney was promoted to the starting lineup for the Nittany Lions, and became a captain in his senior year; and
WHEREAS, Toney ended his college career with 20.5 sacks and 115 tackles. He ranks eighth at Penn State for sacks; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Toney had many discussions with his Nittany Lions teammates about important issues affecting society. Toney has witnessed gun violence and police brutality firsthand, and saw importance in using his voice to speak up for social justice; and
WHEREAS, On May 1, 2021, Toney was drafted to the NFL by the Washington Football Team, making all Philadelphians, especially those in his neighborhood of Wynnefield, extremely proud; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors West Philadelphia and Wynnefield native Shaka Toney on being drafted to the Washington Football Team in the 2021 NFL Draft.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Shaka Toney as evidence of the sincere appreciation and respect of this legislative body.
End