Texas Longhorns wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, is not just a talented athlete but also a driven individual who constantly seeks motivation. Worthy takes the time to write down powerful messages to himself, serving as reminders of his goals and aspirations.
His ambitions extend beyond having a successful season for both himself and his team. Worthy's focus also lies in his personal development and reaching new heights in his career. In pursuit of this, he looks up to those who are living out his dream of playing in the NFL, with one particular pass-catcher capturing his attention.
During a recent interview, Worthy revealed, "Now, I'm watching a lot of Calvin Ridley. He came back. I watched him before. I feel like he's one of the best in the game right now."
Calvin Ridley, known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, made an impact during his four seasons with the team. He amassed an impressive 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns. Even in the face of adversity, Ridley's determination shone through. In 2020, he powered through a broken foot, recording 90 receptions for 1,372 yards and nine touchdowns.
However, Ridley decided to put his 2021 season on hold to prioritize his mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, he faced further setbacks when he was suspended for the entire 2022 campaign due to a violation of the NFL's gambling policy. Now, as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ridley is eager to start a new chapter in his career.
Interestingly, Worthy and Ridley share similar play styles and versatility, often lining up in various positions and showcasing their wide range of route-running skills. Worthy has proven himself as the top pass-catcher for the Longhorns over the past two seasons, tallying an impressive 122 receptions for 1,741 yards and 21 touchdowns.
As a testament to his talent, Worthy was honored with the title of Associated Press Preseason Second Team All-American.
Worthy had high regard for Ridley even before his suspension, recognizing him as one of the best receivers in the NFL. "I feel like he was one of the top route-runners in the league before that," Worthy expressed. "Now, he's just coming back in fresh, so I feel like him just coming back fresh and being who he was before, he still came back the same way."
Following in Ridley's footsteps, Worthy aspires to become a first-round NFL draft pick in 2024. With his determination, skills, and the inspiration he draws from watching players like Ridley, there's no doubt that Worthy has the potential to make his mark on the professional stage.
