Names can be a funny thing on the internet. If you're searching for a Chris Rooney injury update, you're probably looking for one of two very different men. One is a veteran NHL referee who literally bleeds for the game, and the other is the internet’s favorite uncle, the man behind the viral "Yeet Baby" TikTok account.
Both have had a rough go lately. Whether it’s a high stick to the eye or a very public struggle with mental health, the updates coming out in 2026 show two guys just trying to get back on their feet. Honestly, it’s been a lot to keep track of.
The NHL's Chris Rooney: That Scary Eye Injury
Let’s talk about the ref first. Chris Rooney is a legend in the officiating world. We're talking about a guy with over 1,500 games under his belt. But during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, specifically Game 7 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers, things got gruesome.
Thirteen seconds into the second period, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola went for a backhand clear. His stick caught Rooney right under the visor. It wasn't just a tap; it was a full-force follow-through.
Rooney went down fast. You could see the blood on the ice immediately. It was one of those moments where the whole arena goes silent because you're worried about the man’s vision. Trainers rushed out, and he had to be helped off with a towel covering his face.
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Is he back on the ice?
The good news? He avoided permanent eye damage. The bad news? It was a nasty gash that required significant stitching. While he missed the rest of that series, he did manage to return later in the playoffs.
However, as we moved into the 2025-2026 season, Rooney’s name popped up on the NHL Officials Injury Report again. He missed the start of the current season. Scouting reports suggest it was likely related to offseason surgery—possibly lingering issues from that facial trauma or just the wear and tear of being 50 years old in a young man’s league.
He’s been working his way back, but the NHL has been tight-lipped about a specific "return to play" date. Basically, he’s in that "day-to-day" limbo that drives fans and bettors crazy.
The "Yeet Baby" Chris Rooney: A Different Kind of Recovery
Then there’s the other Chris Rooney. If you spend any time on TikTok, you know him as Uncle Chris. He’s the guy who films his niece Marleigh trying (and often failing) to pour large containers of juice. It’s wholesome, hilarious, and has earned him over 5 million followers.
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But behind the "Yeet Baby" videos, Chris has been fighting a much harder battle. Back in 2023, he went missing, sparking a massive police search in Virginia.
Mental Health and Sobriety Updates
It turns out, Chris had checked himself into a mental health facility. His family later shared that he’d been going through a brutal divorce from his wife, Emily, and struggling with alcohol addiction.
By 2025 and heading into 2026, the updates have been more hopeful but cautious. Chris has been open about his sobriety journey. He’s admitted that the "Uncle Chris" persona was sometimes a mask for the "despair" he was feeling inside.
He isn't posting as constantly as he used to. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing. He’s shifted his focus toward helping others who struggle with the same "poison" he did. He’s mentioned that his mission now is to get healthy—not just for the views, but for his family.
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Why the Confusion Matters
People often mix these two up because the headlines look the same. "Chris Rooney injured" or "Chris Rooney missing" can mean a lot of things.
- The Referee: Dealing with physical trauma, high sticks, and the biological clock of a professional official.
- The Creator: Navigating the mental toll of viral fame, divorce, and recovery.
Both men have shown a weirdly similar level of "hockey player" toughness. The ref took a stick to the eye and wanted to finish his shift; the creator took a hit to his personal life and decided to go public to help others.
What You Should Know Right Now
If you're looking for the latest on the ref, keep an eye on the official NHL officiating assignments. He’s been listed as "inactive" for several stretches this season, but he hasn't officially retired.
For the TikTok star, his recovery is ongoing. He’s back to sharing clips of Marleigh and Jack, but the tone is different. It’s less about the "grind" and more about the moments. He’s still active on @theyeetbaby, but he’s clearly prioritizing his peace over the algorithm.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Official NHL App: For the referee's status, look at the "Game Officials" section before puck drop; if Rooney's name isn't there, he's still sidelined.
- Verify Social Sources: If you see a "missing" report for the TikToker, check the verified @theyeetbaby Instagram first. His family uses that as the primary hub for real news to debunk rumors.
- Support the Cause: Both Rooneys have advocated for different causes—physical safety in sports and mental health awareness. If you’ve followed their journeys, consider looking into local sobriety or mental health resources, as the TikTok Chris frequently suggests.