Xavier Worthy became a hot topic after the end of the first quarter in the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite the Chiefs’ overpowering offense and Worthy’s touchdown, it was his celebration and the resultant flag that made NFL fans uproar.
Xavier Worthy’s Grinch Celebration Flagged vs. Steelers
Early in the first quarter of the AFC Christmas Day game, Patrick Mahomes connected with Worthy for a TD. After that, he proceeded to steal Christmas with his celebration, joined by Hollywood Brown like the Grinch.
This celebration has been a mainstay of the Christmas Day games in the NFL for several years. However, the fans were shocked when the 21-year-old was flagged by the ref following the celebration. “THEY FLAGGED A GRINCH CELLY??? BOOOOO THESE REFS,” tweeted an analyst on X (formerly Twitter).
THEY FLAGGED A GRINCH CELLY???
BOOOOO THESE REFS pic.twitter.com/vwKGkZJ4w9
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 25, 2024
“No Fun League,” responded a fan highlighting their frustration.
“Absolutely mind boggling. I hate the NFL. What’re we doing here?” another fan tweeted.
Absolutely mind boggling. I hate the NFL. What’re we doing here?
— bryson (@boxscorebryson) December 25, 2024
“Some sorry a** officiating, and I really dislike the Chiefs,” responded one fan.
“Flagging a Grinch celebration seems kinda… Grinchy?” one fan added.
Flagging a Grinch celebration seems kinda… Grinchy?
— Michael Choi, MD (@AntiheroMD) December 25, 2024
“No Fun League Strikes Again,” replied one fan.
However, several fans pointed out that it was not the Grinch celebration that earned the wide receiver the flag, but the action of holstering his weapon towards the end of the celebration.
“When the hell did the Grinch flash a gun at the who’s? Didn’t know he was a gangster like that,” added a fan.
When the hell did the Grinch flash a gun at the who’s? Didn’t know he was a gangster like that https://t.co/v5DENiLzJu
— Chris (@Schaferrrr) December 25, 2024
Heading into the Week 17 game against the Steelers, Worthy had 51 catches for 559 yards and five TDs, with an additional three scores on the ground. He’s been peppered with double-digit targets over the two weeks prior to the Christmas Day game, establishing a rapport with Patrick Mahomes at just the right time.
Can the rook make a name for himself in the playoffs?