Xavier Worthy makes his NFL debut! The Chiefs’ rookie wideout wasted no time making his mark on the 2024 season. Worthy showed his blazing speed on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens right from the start. On his very first touch as a pro, he took a reverse handoff from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and sprinted 21 yards to score a game-tying touchdown. NFL Next Gen Stats clocked his top speed at an impressive 18.45 miles per hour during the run.
Even Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill couldn’t help but be impressed by Worthy’s electric performance. It’s clear that Patrick Mahomes now has a new speedy weapon in his arsenal. Xavier Worthy’s explosive play set the tone for the Chiefs’ offense and marked their first touchdown of the 2024 NFL season. With this kind of speed and playmaking ability, Worthy is already proving he’s a standout rookie to watch.
Xavier Worthy: Early Life And Background
Xavier Worthy hails from Fresno, California, where he attended Central East High School. He is known for his remarkable athleticism and earned a spot in the 2021 All-American Bowl. However, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the game, depriving him of a significant high school showcase.
Originally, Worthy committed to the University of Michigan, a prestigious program with a rich football tradition. However, he reconsidered his options and chose to join the University of Texas at Austin. This decision set the stage for his college career, where he would soon make a significant impact.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs, eager to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster, orchestrated a trade to secure Worthy. They moved up in the first round to the No. 28 pick, previously held by the Buffalo Bills. In the trade, the Chiefs also acquired a fourth-round pick (No. 143) and a seventh-round pick (No. 248) from the Bills. To complete the deal, the Chiefs sent their No. 32 pick, a third-round pick (No. 95), and a seventh-round pick (No. 221) to Buffalo.
Also Read: Bold Predictions For The Kansas City Chiefs In The 2024 NFL Season
What About Xavier Worthy’s College Career?
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Impressive achievements marked worthy’s college career at the University of Texas. Over three seasons with the Texas Longhorns, he accumulated 197 receptions, 2,755 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns in 39 games. His final season was particularly notable, as he set career highs with 75 receptions and 1,014 receiving yards.
In addition to his receiving prowess, Worthy demonstrated his versatility as a dangerous punt returner. He averaged 14.1 yards per return across 40 attempts, which shows his ability to make game-changing plays in multiple facets of the game.
Worthy’s freshman year in 2021 was a standout season. He broke several school records, including most receiving yards in a season with 981 and most receiving touchdowns with 12. These records surpassed those previously set by Roy Williams, who had 809 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his freshman season in 2000. Worthy also set the record for receiving yards in a single game with 261 yards against the Oklahoma Sooners. His exceptional performance earned him True-Freshman All-American honors from Pro Football Focus, 247 Sports, and the FWAA. On January 2, 2024, Worthy decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2024 NFL Draft, aiming to continue his football journey at the professional level.
What Was Xavier Worthy’s 40-Yard Dash Time?
Xavier Worthy set a new NFL Combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash in March 2024, clocking an impressive time of 4.21 seconds. He broke the previous record of 4.22 seconds, which had been set by wide receiver John Ross in 2017.
Following his record-breaking performance, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Worthy with the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which they acquired from the Buffalo Bills.
Worthy made an immediate impact in the NFL. On September 5, 2024, during a home game against the Baltimore Ravens, he scored his first career touchdown on his first touch of the ball. Worthy ran 21 yards for the touchdown with explosive speed. He further impressed with another 35-yard touchdown reception in the Chiefs’ 27-20 victory over the Ravens.
How Will Xavier Worthy Drive The Chiefs’ Offensive Success In 2024?
Xavier Worthy, who set the fastest 40-yard dash time entering the NFL, is ready to significantly impact the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense in 2024. After a standout college career at Texas, where he amassed 1,014 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in just three seasons, Worthy’s arrival has revitalized the Chiefs’ receiving corps.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs traded up to the 28th overall pick to secure Worthy, signaling their confidence in his game-breaking abilities. Despite the absence of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in Week 1, Worthy’s preseason performance, including three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions, highlights his potential.
Worthy’s speed and playmaking ability make him a formidable asset alongside Rashee Rice and Brown, transforming the Chiefs’ receiving group from the previous seasons. With 26 touchdowns in college and a reputation as “Tyreek Hill 2.0,” Worthy offers a serious threat that forces defenses to focus on him, potentially opening up opportunities for other key players like Travis Kelce.
Worthy is a top contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year, given his impressive college stats and preseason success. Worthy is primed to contribute significantly with the Chiefs’ potent passing game and Patrick Mahomes‘ gameplay.
