The stage is set for the AFC Championship, where the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Buffalo Bills in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. With a ticket to the Super Bowl on the line, for Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy the matchup carries an added layer of motivation.

Worthy, Kansas City’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has a personal score to settle with the Bills. The Chiefs traded up to snag Worthy at No. 28, a move that involved swapping picks with Buffalo. The Bills then used their pick at No. 33 to draft wide receiver Keon Coleman.

Worthy hasn’t forgotten the circumstances of draft night. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the rookie acknowledged that Buffalo’s decision to pass on him fuels his competitive fire.

“I take it as a blessing. I feel like it’s a sign that they didn’t want me,” Worthy said. “I’m going to play with a chip on my shoulder. This game means a little bit more. Obviously, it’s the AFC Championship game, but this is a team that traded their pick away to get somebody else.”

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Worthy’s impressive rookie campaign

Xavier Worthy has been a key contributor to Kansas City’s success this season. In his rookie year, he racked up 638 receiving yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make plays in crucial moments. The Chiefs‘ decision to move up and draft him has paid dividends, as Worthy has quickly established himself as a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes.

The AFC Championship provides Worthy with the perfect opportunity to prove that Kansas City made the right choice-and to show Buffalo what they’re missing.

Keon Coleman, the player Buffalo opted to select instead, has also had a solid rookie season. Coleman‘s size and physicality have made him a valuable asset for the Bills, and he’s expected to play a significant role in Sunday’s matchup.

For Worthy, this isn’t just another game. Kansas City’s faith in him has only strengthened his resolve to succeed, and he’s using Buffalo’s decision as motivation to elevate his play.

“I’m grateful for where I ended up,” Worthy said. “But at the same time, I always play like I have something to prove. This game is no different.”