Kansas City Chiefs' newest offensive weapon, Xavier Worthy, is breaking the mould when it comes to professional athlete preparation. The first-round draft pick has revealed his secret weapon in reaching the NFL wasn't just gruelling physical training - but regular sessions with a personal therapist.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the record-breaking wide receiver opened up about how mental health support became crucial to his journey from college standout to NFL professional.
The mindset of a record-breaker
Worthy, who shattered the NFL Combine 40-yard dash record with a blistering 4.21 seconds, credits his therapeutic work with helping him maintain focus during the intense pre-draft process. "It's about more than just physical preparation," Worthy explained. "The mental aspect of this game, of this journey, is everything."
The young athlete began working with his therapist during his college career at Texas, where he discovered that peak performance required more than just physical excellence.
Beyond the football field
Worthy's approach represents a growing trend among elite athletes who are prioritising mental wellness alongside traditional training. His therapy sessions focused on managing pressure, maintaining confidence during setbacks, and visualising success.
"People see the speed, they see the catches, but they don't see the work that happens off the field," Worthy shared. "Having that professional support system made all the difference in handling the expectations and staying true to my goals."
A perfect fit with the Chiefs
The Chiefs traded up to select Worthy with the 28th overall pick, seeing in him not just physical talent but the mental fortitude to thrive in their high-pressure system. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid known for their demanding standards, Worthy's psychological preparation could prove invaluable.
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this mentally-focused approach translates to on-field success for one of the league's most promising rookies.
