How Chiefs’ DeAndre Hopkins is mentoring Xavier Worthy — and why he says it’s important

Kansas City Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins, while standing in front of his locker, said he was proud of teammate Xavier Worthy for a seven-catch, 65-yard effort that included a touchdown in Saturday’s home win over the Houston Texans.

That didn’t stop Hopkins from saying Worthy could’ve been better.

“I’m one of his hardest critics, so I want him to make every catch that comes this way,” Hopkins said. “It’s going to come as he gets more playing time and just plays in this league. But I want him to have two touchdowns instead of one.”

The veteran Hopkins, however, says he’s enjoyed embracing a mentorship role with the 21-year-old rookie Worthy.

A main reason for that? He was previously on the other end of things in earlier stops with Houston and Arizona.

“I’ve been playing for 12 years. The older guys did it when I was young: Andre Johnson and Larry (Fitzgerald),” Hopkins said. “So it’s only right I do the same.”

Worthy certainly seems to have benefited from Hopkins’ presence since he was traded to the Chiefs in late October.

Shortly after Hopkins arrived, Worthy joined him for additional film sessions, saying he wanted to “copy in his footsteps and just learn off of him.”

That bond has coincided with Worthy becoming a different receiver in recent weeks.

The Chiefs’ first-round pick has turned into a greater threat on short routes, frequently creating separation while becoming one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets.

It’s all led to consistent production. Worthy has registered at least four catches and 40 receiving yards in each of his last six contests.

“I feel like I’ve just got all these oldheads in the room,” Worthy said of his veteran teammates. “So they’re just making it real easy for me, just understanding the game and learning the nuances of everything. Just getting a better feel for everything.”

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said it’s hard to miss the friendship Worthy and Hopkins have formed. He says it’s also refreshing to see the wideouts openly talk to each other on the sideline at games, as they try to figure out the best way to attack opposing defenses.

“D-Hop’s been amazing. He’s been really good,” Nagy said. “And Xavier has been great taking it all in, and I think he’s improving as well.”

Worthy’s ascent has been a source of pride for Hopkins, who also has registered at least four catches in five straight games.

In particular, Hopkins says he’s been impressed with Worthy’s improved ability to read coverages and defenses, which has helped him become a more complete player.

Meanwhile, Worthy says he often hears from Hopkins, who critiques him for even small things like catching the ball in a certain way.

It’s something Worthy embraces — a veteran looking to ensure the rookie is always performing his best.

“It’s like a big-brother relationship,” Worthy said with a smile. “I like it.”