John Tolkin

Early career

Tolkin was raised in Chatham Borough, New Jersey, where he attended Chatham High School. Tolkin joined the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2015. During the 2019 USL Championship season he appeared for New York Red Bulls II. He made his professional debut on July 10, 2019, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 4–3 victory over Bethlehem Steel. During the match, he recorded his first professional assist on Tom Barlow's equalizer in the 82nd minute.

New York Red Bulls

After appearing for New York Red Bulls II in 2019, Tolkin moved up to the club's MLS roster on January 14, 2020. Tolkin made his MLS debut on May 8, 2021, appearing as a substitute against Toronto FC in a 2–0 victory. On May 29, 2021, Tolkin made his first start for the club in a 2–1 victory over Orlando City SC, earning praise for his play during the match. Tolkin scored his first professional goal on August 18, 2021, in a 1–0 win against the Columbus Crew. On May 10, 2022, Tolkin scored his first goal of the season for New York in a 3–0 victory over DC United, helping his club advance to the round of 16 in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. On August 18, 2022, Tolkin helped New York to a 2–1 victory over Atlanta United scoring the deciding goal. On October 5, 2022, Tolkin signed a new contract with New York tying him to the club until 2027, with an option for 2028 On November 18, 2022, Tolkin was named New York Red Bulls Defender of the Year for the 2022 season.

On August 20, 2023,…

Club

As of match played August 30, 2025

International

As of match played November 18, 2025

Tolkin's uncle gave him the nickname "JMi" when he was young, and his teammates and family refer to him as "JMi". He says he does not answer to "John".