Chiefs' Xavier Worthy Proves He's Not A One-Trick Pony
Chiefs' Xavier Worthy Proves He's Not A One-Trick Pony originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted receiver Xavier Worthy, many thought the slightly built Texas star was just a pure speed threat, but there was more to his game than that.
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While Worthy was a slow burn to start with, posting just 40+ yards twice in his first nine games, the rookie, who boasts a 4.21 40-yard dash, came to life and totaled at least 40+ yards in his last seven regular-season games (excluding Week 18 vs. Broncos).
Plus, Worthy was a star in the postseason, posting totals of 45, 85, and 157 yards along with three touchdowns, so he wasn't just a deep ball threat; he could be used all over the field in a variety of ways.
And his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, found out rather quickly that Worthy had more than just one arrow in his quiver.
'The biggest thing I learned is he's not just fast, he can make plays,' Mahomes said of Worthy. 'You saw that with some of the contested catches that he made towards the end of the season, the Bills game, or even the last catch he had in the Super Bowl, he's someone that will go up and make a play on the football.
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"So my job is to give him more opportunities even when he's running with someone and it's one-on-one, throw the ball, let him go up there and make a play. Adding Hollywood [Brown] and then having Rashee back out there is going to give him more and more opportunities to stretch the field.'
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Worthy developed into quite the weapon for Andy Reid and Mahomes down the stretch as he had at least five targets in his last 10 games, so there was confidence from the coaching staff to give him the ball.
Now entering Year 2, Worthy will have Rashee Rice and a much healthier Marquise Brown alongside him as the Chiefs look to take their passing game up a notch.
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Yes, Worthy still has the home-run threat on the deep ball, but he showcased his vast array of skills last season, whether that be jet sweeps or quick slants, both of which regularly picked up big yards.
Whatever is in store for Worthy in 2025, it is clear that he isn't a one-trick pony, and that makes him a dangerous proposition for defenses to try and slow down.
Related: Kelce Issues Passionate Stance on Chiefs Stadium Decision
Related: 'It Sucked!' Mahomes Offers Prediction on Rashee Rice Future
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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