Xavier Worthy is first Texas WR to score a TD in NFL debut

Cam Smith

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Xavier Worthy is first Texas WR to score a TD in NFL debut image

When Xavier Worthy left the Texas Longhorns after three seasons, it was clear he had the speed to make an impact at the NFL level. It took him just minutes into his debut to prove it. 

Worthy took an end around for a 21-yard touchdown on his first-ever NFL touch, scoring Kansas City's first of the season just over halfway through the first quarter on Thursday night. 

Worthy later added a second touchdown in the fourth quarter, which was both a significant turning point in the contest -- padding the Chiefs' lead -- and making history for former Longhorns football players. With the second touchdown, Worthy became the first Texas-ex to score two touchdowns in his NFL debut. 

In fact, Worthy is just the third former Longhorn to score a touchdown during his NFL debut, full stop; his predecessors are the legendary Tyler Rose, Earl Campbell, for the 1978 Houston Oilers, and Worthy's former teammate Roschon Johnson for the Chicago Bears in 2023. 

Worthy also became just the second Chiefs rookie in team history to score multiple touchdowns on their debut, joining former Kansas City running back Kareem Hunt in 2017. 

He's also reportedly just the second rookie since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 to score on both a reception and carry in his debut; the first was 1987 Vikings "replacement" player James Brim. 

Given his explosive ability to create separation with and without the ball, and the legendary quarterback passing to him, it seems likely this won't be the last time Worthy sets new marks for a former Texas wide receiver in the NFL. 

Cam Smith

Cam Smith Photo

Cam Smith is a 20-year sports journalism veteran whose career includes time writing for Yahoo Sports, The Washington Post, USA TODAY and contributions at The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, the Associated Press, Boston Herald and many others. He was born and raised in Texas, but later went to college in the Northeast and never moved back. Now based in Boston, he returns home to Austin as often as he can.