NEW ORLEANS – Xavier Worthy told USA TODAY Sports last March that the Kansas City Chiefs were his ideal landing spot.
A congratulatory text from Patrick Mahomes after Worthy ran an NFL combine record 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash only intensified the wide receiver’s ambition. But not in Worthy’s wildest dreams did he envision it would come into fruition, and he’d be a part of the Chiefs’ historic quest for a three-peat.
“This is stuff you can’t imagine,” the Chiefs rookie wide receiver said. “Getting drafted here was one thing. Coming back-to-back-to-back Super Bowls is another.”
Worthy’s registered 59 receptions, 638 receiving yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. He ranked sixth in receptions and seventh in receiving yards among all NFL rookie receivers.
The rookie wideout has made strides in his route running and rapport with Mahomes in recent weeks. Worthy tallied a career-high eight catches for 79 yards in Kansas City’s Christmas Day win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the AFC championship game, Worthy produced a game-high six catches for a new career-best 85 receiving yards.
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One of Worthy’s catches was a highlight snag on a 50-50 ball where he snatched the football from two Buffalo Bills defenders on crucial third-and-5 in the first half.
It’s a play that underscored Worthy’s budding confidence and growth in his rookie campaign.
“Xavier has done a great job this year of getting better every week. Whether it’s his route running, whether it’s getting on the same page as Patrick (Mahomes). He’s worked very hard at that part of his game,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.
“It’s paid off later in the season here. He’s not a big guy. To be able to persevere through 17 games, plus some playoff games, is a tribute to him and his conditioning.”
Worthy leads Kansas City in postseason catches (11) and targets (13) entering Super Bowl 59. He and tight end Travis Kelce are the Chiefs’ only two players with over 100 receiving yards this postseason.
The Chiefs have been able to exploit Worthy’s speed versus opponents during their Super Bowl run. They’ve utilized his speed on reserve runs, short, intermediate and some long routes – all part of his expanded route tree in his rookie campaign.
“I always knew Xavier was gonna be a great football player. Obviously, the talent is there but the way he works. He gets after it (and) he’s extremely smart. We put a lot on his plate, and he wants more,” Mahomes said. “He wants to continue to be better and be great for the football team.”
Worthy’s progression has helped the Chiefs get to a third straight Super Bowl. He’s coming off arguably the best game of his young career.
Now, he’s a confident player going into the biggest game of his life. When USA TODAY Sports asked Worthy who is going to be the fastest player on the field on Sunday, his answer – and smile – said it all.
“You’re looking at him,” Worthy said.
There are 4.21 reasons why his response is valid.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.