xavier worthy Patrick mahomes draftSara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWOR

There is nothing like warp drive speed to impress a fellow pro. It’s why Patrick Mahomes, the king of the NFL, sent a congratulatory text to Xavier Worthy, who will be the league’s quickest player.

A week ago, Worthy went from a second-day certainty in the NFL Draft to possibly a first rounder. It all had to do with the marquee 40-yard dash and Worthy’s time of 4.21 seconds. On his second try, the former Texas Longhorn broke the NFL Combine record set by John Ross by .01. The margin is equivalent to a quick sniff. But it was significant enough to make Worthy one of the most talked about prospects in the draft.

And it was why Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, sent a private message to Xavier Worthy and then lauded him publicly via social media.

Hmm, the Chiefs need a receiver, don’t they?

“In a perfect world, I definitely would want to go to the Chiefs,” Worthy told reporters. “Just the way Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs improvise and use you. They had Tyreek Hill. The way they used him, I feel like that would be a perfect fit for me.”
xavier worthy NFL combinePatrick Mahomes messaged Zavier Worthy after his 40. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs own the final pick of the first round. Worthy could still be on the draft board. This year’s draft is stocked with elite receivers, who are big, fast and productive. Obviously, Worthy has the speed. And he was a star for the Longhorns on both offense and special teams. But he is only 165 pounds, which leads to questions about his durability. Then again, if opposing defenders can’t catch him, he should stay injury free.

Worthy mentioned that he received tons of complimentary texts. Besides Mahomes, Ray Lewis and DeSean Jackson messaged him as well. But Mahomes may have some control over who the Chiefs select. Or, he at least has an opinion about it. And surely coach Andy Reid would love another speedster who could fill the role Hill had in KC before he left for Miami.

And for what it’s worth, Hill did notice Worthy’s run. He tweeted “4.2 is crazy sheesh.”

4.2 is crazy sheesh

— Ty Hill (@cheetah) March 2, 2024

Hill also shared an old video showing his official 40 from eight years ago.

So maybe Xavier Worthy will follow in Hill’s footsteps and become best football friends with Patrick Mahomes. That’s how powerful speed can be. It can grant a rookie’s wish to play with the best. Worthy will know as soon as April 25th if it happens.