Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook expressed his admiration for Malachi Toney, a rising star and future Miami Hurricanes wide receiver. Sharing an Instagram story Monday, Cook offered Toney an uplifting five-word message.
performance in the Class 4A state championship game, where he led American Heritage to a 40-31 victory over Orlando Jones High at Pitbull Stadium on December
The 2025 recruit showcased his versatility, completing 15 of 18 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. He also added 17 rushing yards and another score on seven carries, helping the Patriots clinch their first state title since 2020.
Reflecting on Toney’s journey, American Heritage head coach Mike Smith described the moment as a storybook ending.
“It’s fitting how we ended this thing. The adversity that kid battled through. He put the ball on the ground on the 28-yard line against Central two years ago and cried like a baby. For him to come back and do this, you can’t make this up. Hollywood couldn’t have written this ending better.”
After losing back-to-back playoff heartbreakers—once in the state finals to Central and again last year in the semifinals to Tampa Berkeley Prep—the Patriots (12-2) emerged victorious, ending their four-year championship drought.
Toney’s resilience was key, especially when he transitioned to quarterback after an injury sidelined Texas commit Dia Bell.
Malachi Toney shines as American Heritage captures state title
Malachi Toney, a standout athlete and Miami Hurricanes signee, displayed incredible versatility this season. As a receiver, Toney caught 58 passes for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Toney’s leadership was critical in key postseason victories, including a comeback win over Fort Lauderdale Dillard in the regional semifinal.
During the playoffs, Toney recorded 524 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception, completing 38 of 54 attempts.
Reflecting on his journey, Toney said:
“It was really nothing. I’m a football player and I’m here to do whatever my team needs me to do,” Toney told MiamiHerald. “It feels great. After that fumble, everyone counted me out and said I wouldn’t be back. Now look at me. I led my team to a state title at quarterback.”
