The term ‘Speed Merchant’ usually belongs to one man… The Cheetah, Tyreek Hill. But that title’s got a new contender. Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs’ rookie wideout, didn’t just bring his wheels from Texas—he brought a résumé. Three years with the Longhorns, a Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award in 2021, and enough films coming out of college days to make defensive coordinators sweat.

But beyond the accolades, one thing stood out—he stayed on the field. FanSided even pointed out, “Xavier Worthy has stayed relatively healthy and productive during his college stint at Texas, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt going forward.” And for a while, that held up. Then came the NFL. Faster, tougher, more demanding. And as Worthy’s rookie season unfolded, so did his injury report.

Xavier Worthy’s injury history

The upside (judging the book by its cover)? Worthy wasn’t one of those guys constantly taped up like a mummy. Injuries didn’t define his college career. In 2022, he fractured a finger… But played through half the season, anyway.

In 2023, he tweaked his ankle and still suited up for the College Football Playoff. Tough? No doubt. His injury history is more about playing through pain than sitting out. And let’s be real—his production never took a hit. In 2023, he racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 14 games.

That’s WR1 material. So, you could understand why there was a hype attached to his name. However, the NFL started doing what it does the ‘worst’. Sending out injury bugs here and there.

Major injuries sustained by Worthy in the NFL

It started in his rookie offseason—bam, first setback. Xavier Worthy tweaked his hamstring during OTAs. Nothing too concerning, but the Chiefs weren’t about to take any risks. They kept him sidelined for June minicamp, just to be safe. Smart move? Probably. But it was a reminder that even speedsters aren’t invincible.

Then came week 16 against the Texans. Running a route, Worthy slipped—next thing you know, he’s limping off the field. Questionable to return. Not exactly what Chiefs Kingdom wanted to see. But just like that, he was back after halftime, ready to roll for the second half. Grit? Check. Toughness? No doubt.

By the time Christmas rolled around, he was back in full form, cleared for the Steelers game. No injury report, no limitations. And honestly, that’s been the story with Worthy—bumps and bruises, but nothing that slows him down for long. In 17 games, he hauled in 59 catches for 638 yards and nine touchdowns. Not too shabby for a rookie adjusting to the NFL grind.

Now, with Super Bowl LIX on deck, Worthy isn’t thinking about setbacks—just the moment. “Whatever the game plan is, whatever targets I get, I’ll just make the most of them.” Spoken like a guy who knows what’s at stake. The Chiefs are chasing history. And Worthy? He is just taking it all in, in his first season.