"Soft a** league": NFL fans take issue with referees as Xavier Worthy flagged for throwing Christmas presents in a bag

Kansas City Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy's touchdown celebration triggered controversy during Wednesday's Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Officials assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his festive gesture.

The NFL's stance on celebrations sparked immediate backlash on social media. Fans questioned whether the league has become too restrictive with its celebration rules.

According to ESPN, the incident occurred when Worthy mimicked distributing presents from an imaginary bag after scoring the game's opening TD. The celebration took an unexpected turn when he lifted his shirt.

Officials interpreted the shirt-lifting gesture as simulating a holstered weapon, prompting the immediate penalty flag. This decision sparked heated debate among viewers watching the Christmas Day showdown.

Initial reactions on X criticized the NFL's strict enforcement.

"sad asf soft a** league," one fan wrote.

"How was that unsportsmanlike conduct on #1 Xavier worthy someone please explain," a fan commented.

"I just thought Xavier Worthy was showing off a tattoo!" another fan said.

Some contrasting reactions were also posted.

"Unless I'm blind, Xavier worthy definitely flashed a gun lol," a fan commented.

"Xavier Worthy’s Christmas celebration earns him an unsportsmanlike penalty!", another fan wrote.

"Xavier Worthy flashes his colostomy bag and the refs get excited!" one fan tweeted.

Xavier Worthy's stellar season adds context to celebration debate

NFL: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Imagn

The penalty came as Xavier Worthy had established himself in Kansas City's offense. His performance against Houston on Saturday showcased this growth, with seven receptions for 61 yards marking his season-best

"It's more than just how fast he is," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said on Wednesday, via ESPN. "His talent is through the roof and he has the chance to be a really special football player."

Worthy's impact shows in the numbers. He leads Chiefs receivers with 51 catches for 559 yards and eight TDs. Only Travis Kelce has more receptions on the team this season.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy sees parallels with last year's rookie sensation, Rashee Rice.

"It was a little slow for the first four or five, six weeks and then weeks 7, 8, 9, 10, you could sense it," Nagy said.

Worthy, who set an NFL combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, has evolved beyond his deep-threat reputation. This maturation makes Wednesday's celebration controversy an unexpected chapter in his breakout rookie campaign.