Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas Imagn Images

Chiefs Xavier Worthy Hints At New Role

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy could be seeing the ball more in 2025. Selected for his record-breaking speed, the Texas product finished his inaugural season with 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns, showing flashes of talent while struggling to get on the same page with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

While he will remain a key piece of the passing attack, the Chiefs could use Xavier Worthy as a returner. During a recent interview, the wide receiver hinted at earning a role as a punt returner.

“Oh man, I don’t know,” Worthy said. “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,” Worthy said.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) catches a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Xavier Worthy Hints At Returning Punts For Chiefs

For what it’s worth, special teams coordinator Dave Toub previously said that Worthy is the “best punt returner nobody knows about right now in the league,” which suggests the team will use him in this role.

Nikko Remigio spent the 2024 season as Kansas City’s primary punt returner. Taking a team-high 11 returns, the wide receiver finished the season with 295 punt return yards for an average of 26.8 yards per return. While he had the most returns, Samaje Perine, Carson Steele, Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, and Montrell Washington also earned opportunities with the role.

Special teams work can sometimes be a demotion, but Xavier Worthy should still be a key part of the passing attack. With Rashee Rice healthy and unlikely to face suspension in 2025, Worthy can be a pure deep threat and gadget player, which is a better fit for his skillset.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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