NEW ORLEANS – Xavier Worthy wasn’t originally expected to be the Kansas City Chiefs’ No. 1 wide receiver immediately. With key returning players like Rashee Rice and recent signings such as Hollywood Brown, expectations meant a gradual approach to his integration into the offense.

However, an unfortunate injury to Rice in Week 4 opened the door for Worthy, unexpectedly placing him in the spotlight as he became the primary target for Patrick Mahomes. While his initial performance was underwhelming, with only modest stats during the first part of the season, he demonstrated great promise and determination to improve his game.

“They would just mix up the coverages, make sure nothing got past them,” Worthy reflected on his earlier struggles. Fortunately for him, having strong veteran teammates like DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce provided essential support and guidance.

Worthy’s persistence paid off as he transitioned into a more significant role late in the season, culminating in impressive stats through the playoffs. In the last seven games, he caught 42 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing an outstanding evolution in his performance as he consistently averaged around 6 catches per game.

Worthy’s growth as a receiver has made him an integral asset to the Chiefs’ dynamic offense as they prepare for a Super Bowl matchup. His combination of skill and increased responsibility has set him on a clear path toward becoming an NFL star.