NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Xavier Worthy Play

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Xavier Worthy Play

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 14, 2026 9:49 PM ET

Xavier Worthy and the Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2026 NFL season with an NFC West matchup, hosting Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in Week 1’s edition of “Monday Night Football.” The Chiefs were coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign, in which they missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

With 6:46 remaining in the second quarter and the game tied at seven apiece, the Chiefs face a 3rd-and-2 situation with the ball at their own 43-yard line. Mahomes attempted a short right pass to Worthy, only for the cornerback Riley Moss to come flying in, breaking up the pass as both players hit the deck.

After the play, Worthy had some words for the officials while Moss celebrated, before the linebacker turned toward Worthy and taunted him with the “crybaby” gesture. Yet the officials did not call Moss for a taunting penalty.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While no flag was thrown for the play, Moss could potentially see a fine coming his way after taunting Worthy. The NFL reviews every play for potential league violations, and when they deem a taunt serious enough, players can be fined up to $11,941 for a first taunting offense, which can increase to $17,911 upon a second violation.

Worthy received one fine during the 2025 NFL season, getting charged $11,593 for taunting in the Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. In total, 12 fines were handed to Kansas City players for $136,414. The Broncos, on the other hand, received only eight fines in 2025 for a total of $99,375.

The Chiefs also only received one fine during the preseason, a $4,972 charge to tight end Jake Briningstool for a blindside block. No Denver players were fined in the preseason.

It looks like Moss hits Worthy in the head before the ball got there. Should this have been called DPI?? pic.twitter.com/88CE7PY4So
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) September 15, 2026