Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy’s Christmas Celebration Results in Penalty
The Kansas City Chiefs got off to a strong start in their Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, thanks in part to rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Worthy caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the first quarter, putting the Chiefs up 6-0. Following the play, Worthy appeared to do a Christmas-themed celebration with his teammates, then lifted up his shirt. However, NFL officials penalized Worthy for the play, leaving fans confused as to why the flag was thrown.
Worthy’s touchdown was one of two thrown by Mahomes in the first quarter, as he also connected with wide receiver Justin Watson on an 11-yard pass. The Chiefs, who have struggled all season despite their 14-1 record, have received a boost from Worthy, who has emerged as a bright spot in a receiving corps decimated by injuries. He has 51 catches for 559 yards and five touchdown catches this season, and has been receiving double-digit targets in recent weeks.
The Chiefs will look to lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win over the Steelers, and Worthy will likely continue to play a key role in their offense.