On the bustling field of the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp, rookie Xavier Worthy found himself in the spotlight as he reacted to the high expectations set by none other than the team’s star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The young wide receiver, drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, faced a setback with a hamstring injury during the off-season but showed resilience by participating in the first practice of training camp.
In a display of unwavering confidence, Mahomes made it known to reporters on July 16 that Worthy would not be eased into the offense, setting the bar high for the rookie. Worthy, acknowledging the challenge ahead, echoed Mahomes’ sentiments stating, “Definitely feel like it’s no time to ease in. It’s ‘all go.’ Once you’re here, you’re here.”
The importance of Worthy’s availability was not lost on him, especially after witnessing the success of his predecessor, Rashee Rices. “It’s very important to me,” Worthy expressed. “In college, I never missed a game, never had no injuries really.”
The road to recovery had its own lessons for Worthy, as he delved into studying the playbook and familiarizing himself with the Chiefs’ system. “I feel like that’s like the big struggle for all rookies, is learning the playbook, learning the system,” he shared. “So I feel like just in-tuning to that for me was really the big thing.”
Amidst the whirlwind of training camp, Worthy leaned on the guidance of Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who provided valuable insights to keep him on track for success. Nagy’s experience and expertise as a seasoned coach proved to be a valuable resource for the ambitious rookie.
As the sun set on another day of intense practice, Worthy remained focused on his goal of making an impact for the Chiefs. With Mahomes’ words fueling his determination, the rookie wide receiver knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to rise to the occasion and showcase his skills on the field.
