Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy Still Owns His Speed: “No Question I’m the Fastest”

After entering the NFL with the fastest 40-yard dash ever recorded at the NFL Scouting Combine, Xavier Worthy continues to believe his speed separates him from everyone else. As the Chiefs prepare for the 2026 season, Worthy is embracing that reputation.

Speaking to reporters during offseason workouts, Worthy was asked about how he stacks up against the Chiefs’ other receivers. His response left little room for debate. Worthy was quick and blunt with his response:

No question, I’m the fastest.

However, the 2025 season failed to showcase his full potential. Worthy played through a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 1. He ultimately required surgery in January. Rather than viewing the setback as purely a frustration, the 23-year-old believes the recovery process helped accelerate his development in other areas. Worthy added:

With the shoulder injury, I had that surgery in January, really it was just building on, getting stronger, getting back in the flow. It might have been the best thing for me, learning how to be a pro, learning how to approach the mental aspect, and just getting your body prepared for certain things.

He acknowledged that last season’s production was not an accurate reflection of the player, noting that he’d “definitely say that’s not a true indication of what I am.” He also added that he “want(s) to come back out here and show my ability and what I can do.”

The Kansas City Chiefs’ return to glory rests on Xavier Worthy’s performance

As Xavier Worthy enters his third NFL season, expectations are growing that the speedy receiver could emerge as one of Patrick Mahomes’ primary targets in 2026. The Chiefs’ receiving corps has undergone constant change since the departure of Tyreek Hill, while injuries and suspensions have limited the continuity of other pass catchers.

With Rashee Rice still working his way back, Worthy has an opportunity to assume a more prominent role in the Chiefs’ offense.

The former Texas standout flashed his potential as a rookie, totaling 742 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. However, his sophomore campaign was disrupted almost immediately after he suffered a torn labrum just two offensive snaps into the 2025 season. Despite the injury, Worthy played through the remainder of the year, finishing with 619 scrimmage yards and one touchdown.

Now healthy following offseason shoulder surgery, Worthy has drawn encouraging reviews during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. The Athletic’s Jesse Newell even identified Worthy as the recipient of a hypothetical MVP award for the best player in the Chiefs’ organized team activities this offseason.

This was despite playing in a no-contact jersey to avoid any further issues with his injury. Head coach Andy Reid recently praised the receiver’s physical development, noting that he has looked stronger while handling increased responsibilities within the offense. Reid added, via Jesse Newell:

Stronger — that’s the part that you like. You really see it. We put him in a lot of the primary positions, and I thought he did a nice job with all of it.

If that progress carries into the regular season, Worthy could be positioned to take on a significantly larger workload as Kansas City looks to add another dependable playmaker alongside Mahomes in its pursuit of another Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs had a very miserable outing in 2025, finding themselves without the AFC West title for almost a decade.

They missed out on the playoffs, a rare event for the Chiefs, who were in conversations about being a dynasty just a year ago. The 2026 season is all about restoring the old glory, and it will start with three preseason games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks.

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