Key Takeaways:
– Xavier Worthy, new to Kansas City Chiefs, aims to defy statistics regarding undersized players’ success in NFL
– Despite weighing 169 pounds, Worthy confident he’s up for the challenge, drawing comparison to DeSean Jackson, who had a successful career at a similar weight.
– Worthy believes understanding and maximizing his strengths can counter his size.
– He boasts of an impressive record at Texas and proved his speed at NFL Scouting Combine.
– Worthy is not just a Z receiver but a player capable of versatile roles.
Kansas City Chiefs’ newly recruited receiver, Xavier Worthy, is optimistic about his career prospects in the NFL. Despite his unconventional size, Worthy is confident that he can navigate his way to success in a league largely dominated by heavier players.
Defying the Size Norm in the NFL
Historically, players as lightweight as Worthy have had limited successful careers in the NFL. However, Worthy, weighing in at 169 pounds, is undeterred by this trend. At his recent rookie minicamp press conference, Worthy stated his belief that size isn’t the ultimate determinant of a player’s success.
Taken from the pages of DeSean Jackson’s career, a former player under Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid, Worthy points out how he had an impactful, 15-season long career despite being less than 180 pounds. Jackson amassed 641 receptions, 11,263 receiving yards, and 58 receiving touchdowns according to Pro Football Reference.
“D-Jack (DeSean Jackson) came into the league at 169 and understood his strengths,” said Worthy, further emphasizing that understanding one’s capabilities is crucial in the game.
Overcoming Durability Concerns
Certainly, Jackson’s example does present a hopeful path for Worthy. However, it should be noted that despite Jackson’s career longevity, he played all 16 regular-season games only twice in his career, pointing to a degree of fragility that comes with being an undersized player.
Considering this, Worthy indeed has a challenge before him to establish that light-weight pass catchers can have extended careers in the NFL. Nevertheless, Worthy asserts he’s ready for the task.
Versatility Beyond Size
Expanding on his capabilities beyond size, Worthy also addressed queries regarding his role as a receiver. Touted to be a Z receiver, Worthy assured that he can bring versatility to the field, having played multiple positions during his time at Texas.
Throughout his tenure at Texas, Worthy registered 75 receptions, 1,014 yards, and 5 touchdowns according to Sports Reference. Furthermore, at the NFL Scouting Combine, he recorded the fastest 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, underscoring his speed along with a strong route-running ability.
As Worthy joins the star-studded receiver room at Kansas City, including “Hollywood” Brown and Kadarius Toney, his role will undoubtedly extend beyond a traditional Z receiver. Given his speed and route accuracy, the Chiefs’ coaching staff is expected to exploit these strengths to maximize his play in the field.
Conclusion
While Worthy’s size may be unconventional, it does not necessarily determine his potential success in the NFL. His unique strengths, adaptability, and unyielding spirit confirm his readiness to take up the challenge. Streamlining these qualities under the mentoring of Kansas City’s able coaching staff, Worthy seems set to carve his niche in the NFL.