KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made a memorable debut for the Kansas City Chiefs, scoring two key touchdowns in their 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Worthy’s performance caught the attention of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who highlighted the rookie’s influence on the game beyond his touchdowns.
Game-Changing Presence
Worthy, who scored a touchdown on his very first NFL touch, ran in a reverse from 21 yards out for the Chiefs’ first score. Later, in the fourth quarter, he caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes that ultimately secured the game for Kansas City. Despite these big plays, Mahomes emphasized that Worthy’s speed and presence on the field were just as critical to the team’s success.
“Just having him out there, it just opens up stuff,” Mahomes said. “You saw when he’s out there, they’re playing shell coverages. It’s getting guys like [Travis Kelce] and [Rashee Rice] open underneath, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
A Rookie With Speed and Confidence
Worthy’s speed, highlighted by his 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, forced the Ravens’ defense to adjust, allowing other offensive players to thrive. Rashee Rice had a standout performance with seven catches for 103 yards, while tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray combined for 71 yards on six receptions.
Even without the Chiefs’ offseason acquisition, wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who missed the game with a shoulder injury, Worthy’s debut offered a glimpse of the dynamic offense the Chiefs are building. Mahomes hinted at the potential danger for future opponents when Brown returns: “When we get Hollywood out there, it’s going to be tough for defenses to decide who they want to cover.”
Ready for Big Moments
Worthy showed confidence in his abilities even before the game. At the Chiefs’ walkthrough, he told offensive coordinator Matt Nagy that he would score a touchdown on the reverse play against the Ravens. The rookie had fumbled on a similar play in the preseason, but his confidence paid off when it mattered most.
“I feel like nerves aren’t really a thing for me,” Worthy said. “I feel like I come in, and it’s just like being a kid again, playing in the backyard.”
Despite his calm demeanor, Worthy admitted to being so caught up in the moment after his first touchdown that he forgot to keep the ball as a souvenir. Mahomes stepped in, retrieving the ball for him, showcasing the camaraderie between the two.
Mahomes was impressed by the rookie’s composure, saying, “He’s so cool, calm, and collected all the time. You never even see the excitement on him, but he goes out there and makes plays. Obviously, we want to continue to use him more and more, but I thought he had a great day today, making big plays in big moments.”