How has the NFL reacted to Kansas City Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy’s incredible speed?
Some of the NFL’s biggest names took to social media to weigh in on the Chiefs’ newest star, with all saying essentially the same: Xavier Worthy is very fast.
When considering how good the Kansas City Chiefs already are, it seems unfair - and many agree - that they have secured the services of a player who is that quick. Indeed, should the Chiefs manage to do what’s never been done before i.e., win three consecutive Super Bowls, one has to imagine that it will be the result of opposing defenses being unable to deal with this new threat.
Xavier Worthy turned heads in NFL debut
Just as his first touchdown run was blisteringly quick, so too was the reaction to Xavier Worthy’s play from around the NFL. Playing in his NFL debut for the reigning Super Bowl champions, Worthy’s score came as the result of a trick play that had head coach Andy Reid’s fingerprints all over it.
Following a fake handoff to Isiah Pacheco by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the ball was then dished to Worthy who arced around the backfield and then proceeded to turn on the after-burners as he surged upfield. It was clear that the defense of the Baltimore Ravens was not expecting it and even if they were, it probably wouldn’t have mattered given how fast the 21-year-old moved through them on his way to his and the Chiefs’ first touchdown of the 2024 NFL season.
This of course comes as no surprise given what the former Texas Longhorn produced in college. In his freshman season, he set several records including receiving yards in a single season (981) and receiving touchdowns in a season (12). This brings us back to the reaction that has been seen in the wake of Worthy’s NFL introduction.
Needless to say many across the NFL were left in awe of the pass catcher’s speed and what it can accomplish when combined with the Chiefs’ notoriously creative play calling. Truthfully, it’s quite likely this is just the beginning which makes the widespread disbelief all the more understandable. From players to personalities, several had their say including the legendary speedster himself, Tyreek Hill, which you can see below: