Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been making headlines on the field with his lightning speed and breakout performances. But this week, he became the center of a very different kind of story — one that unfolded far from Arrowhead Stadium and quickly went viral on social media.
According to reports from Los Angeles fashion insiders, Worthy was spotted earlier this week on Rodeo Drive, the iconic luxury shopping district in Beverly Hills. Known for his relaxed and youthful style, Worthy wasn’t dressed in flashy designer brands or expensive jewelry. Instead, he wore a simple T-shirt, joggers, and sneakers as he browsed the area’s high-end boutiques.
When Worthy attempted to enter a Louis Vuitton store, witnesses say two employees appeared skeptical and hesitated to let him in. One staff member allegedly remarked about “keeping the brand’s image,” implying that Worthy didn’t look like the type of customer who could afford the store’s merchandise. Rather than cause a scene, the rookie receiver reportedly smiled, nodded, and walked away calmly.
At the time, no one inside the store seemed to recognize him. To them, he was just another casually dressed young man. What they didn’t realize was that Worthy — a first-round draft pick for the defending Super Bowl champions — has already become one of the most talked-about young stars in the NFL.
The Reveal
Just 48 hours later, the situation took an unexpected turn. Louis Vuitton’s corporate office became aware of photos circulating online of Worthy outside the store. Once fans identified him as the Chiefs’ rising star, the posts gained traction across Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
The incident quickly went viral, with fans criticizing the employees for judging Worthy “by his cover” and pointing out that he could “buy the entire store if he wanted to.” Chiefs fans in particular rallied to his defense, blasting the luxury brand for underestimating one of the NFL’s brightest young talents.
Ironically, hours after the clip spread online, Worthy appeared at a team event carrying a Louis Vuitton duffel bag, making the moment even more surreal. The same brand that had doubted him was now inadvertently being promoted by one of football’s most electric rookies.
Reactions
The reaction across the NFL world was swift. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reportedly laughed when told about the story, saying, “That’s Xavier, man. He doesn’t need the flash — his game does all the talking.” Tight end Travis Kelce chimed in on his podcast, joking: “They didn’t want to let him in the store? He’s about to be letting himself into the end zone every Sunday.”
Fans online echoed those sentiments. Comments flooded Louis Vuitton’s social media pages, ranging from “He can buy the whole store” to “That employee probably has no idea they just turned away NFL royalty.”
Louis Vuitton Responds
Facing backlash, the Beverly Hills Louis Vuitton location issued a statement through a spokesperson:
“An unfortunate misunderstanding occurred, and we want to make clear that all customers are welcome regardless of attire. Our staff has been reminded of our commitment to inclusivity and respect.”
Worthy, for his part, downplayed the incident when asked by local reporters. “It’s not a big deal,” he said. “I’m not looking to be recognized everywhere I go. I just want to play football, stay humble, and enjoy the journey.”
The Bigger Picture
This episode underscores a broader issue in luxury retail — the tendency to make assumptions based on appearances. Athletes from Michael Jordan to LeBron James have shared similar stories of being underestimated while shopping in casual clothing.
For Worthy, the incident seems unlikely to faze him. If anything, it adds to his reputation as a grounded, no-nonsense competitor who lets his play define him. As one Chiefs fan cleverly posted online:
“They didn’t let Xavier Worthy into Louis Vuitton. But trust me — he’ll be walking into the end zone all season long.”