Former first-round pick Xavier Worthy and his explosive speed could electrify not only the Kansas City Chiefs offense, but their special teams as well, in 2025.
“Oh man, I don’t know,” Worthy told Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams” show when asked if he could return punts during the 2025 season. “Stay tuned. Stay tuned. I can’t drop that yet … I think every time I touch the ball, I’m liable to score, so if I have that chance to be on punt return and change the game for my team, I’m gonna do it.”
The 5-foot-11, 165‑pound wide receiver, who became a sensation after setting a record 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine, was once a dominant punt returner for the Texas Longhorns. At Texas, he averaged 16.9 yards per return in 2023, amassing 371 return yards and one return touchdown in his final collegiate season.
Now, with Rashee Rice and the Chiefs’ other wideouts getting back to full health, there seems to be a real chance for Worthy to take on other duties this season.
Worthy noted that Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub often plays film of Hall of Famer Devin Hester, a former Toub pupil, during meetings to help returners pick up cues on leverage and seam hits and how to properly use acceleration.
“He hits the seam better than anybody. He doesn’t slow up; he hits it full speed,” Worthy noted, adding that Hester’s style is “what I feel like as a punt returner needs to be done”.
Offensively, Worthy should be in for another solid year for Kansas City.
As a rookie, he recorded 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns, adding 104 rushing yards and three scores. Worthy also notably tallied 19 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs, including a standout 157-yard, two-touchdown game in Super Bowl LIX despite the Chiefs’ disappointing loss.
With an expanded role that will likely include more downfield opportunities, it is clear that Worthy will be used in a variety of ways in 2025.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Worthy, and, if given the chance, whether or not he can carry the same electrifying spark to the punt return team that he’s already brought to the offense.
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