Chiefs’ DeAndre Hopkins admits he is teammate Xavier Worthy’s hardest critic
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Xavier Worthy 28th overall in the NFL Draft after trading four spots up in 2024.
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Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins (Images via Getty Images/Open Source)
At the beginning of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs faced a significant shortage of experience and personnel in the wide receiver position. The reigning champions had been ravaged by injuries to wide-outs, especially Hollywood Brown. Rookie Xavier Worthy was the sole dependable option until the acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins, which addressed many of the team’s offensive challenges.
DeAndre Hopkins has lived up to expectations, recording 35 receptions for 393 yards and four touchdowns in eight games with the Chiefs. Hopkins has also taken up a leadership role in Missouri – sharing his valuable experience as a veteran in the field.
After a win over the Houston Texans on Saturday, Hopkins commended Worthy’s performance in an interaction with Sports Radio 810. He admitted to being a role model to the player. Hopkins added that he also holds the rookie to exceptionally high standards as one of his toughest critics.
Xavier made some good plays out there. I’m one of his hardest critics. I want him to make every catch that comes his way. It’s going to come as he gets more playing time and plays in this league. I want him to have two touchdowns instead of one.
DeAndre Hopkins said
#Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins says that he's Xavier Worthy's hardest critic.
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) December 21, 2024
He told @SSJWHB, "The older guys did it when I was young, Andre Johnson and Larry, so it's only right I do the same." ? pic.twitter.com/7fpSNV0JgZ
After the game, Worthy acknowledged that Hopkins can be tough on him but expressed understanding that it stems from a desire to help him improve. He likened their bond to that of brothers.
Yeah, he always gets on me. Like, I can catch the ball, and he says ‘you should have caught it like this.’ So, he’s just trying to get on me and make sure I’m at my best at all times. It’s like a big brother relationship. I like it.
Xavier Worthy said
Xavier Worthy improves his record with better performances against the Texans
Xavier Worthy delivered his standout performance of the season in the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent upperhand win against the Houston Texans. The wide receiver tallied seven receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 10 rushing yards.
Fellow wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins highlighted this when asked about Worthy’s improvements throughout the season.
Just him understanding the defenses and the coverages, and leverage.
DeAndre Hopkins said
Worthy’s sure-handedness stood out in Sunday’s game, with several contested catches that extended drives and kept the offense rolling. Worthy’s refined route-running ability has been a game-changer.
Over the past few weeks, he has demonstrated the precision needed to create separation, even against top-tier defenders. Perhaps the most noticeable improvement has been Worthy’s growing chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.
The rookie wide receiver never misses an opportunity to show support for his quarterback. After Mahomes sustained an ankle injury in last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, Worthy was seen arriving at the stadium wearing the former’s college jersey. The gesture was especially surprising given that Worthy recently graduated from the University of Texas.
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Mohammed Bazim
(451 Articles Published)