Kansas City has always embraced Chiefs’ players as its own. In his second season on the team, wide receiver Xavier Worthy has also embraced this city. His passion for the game can be clearly seen, not just through the heart and soul he brings to the field each and every game, but because of what the game has allowed him to do for people he plays for.
“Since playing football, we want to be known for using the most of this opportunity,” Worthy said. “Seeing my mom and the struggles she went through and being in a position to give back and help other moms who are going through similar things has always been something we talked about when we were young.”
This “we” is Worthy and his mother, Nicky Jones. Together, they have tackled a cause that might seem daunting to most, but as a family who understands living in a single-parent household, starting The Worthy 1’s Foundation was the natural flow of their hearts.
“This was our story, a lived experience that we had as a single mother and son. I later had daughters as well, but it was a lot different when I had my son. Our “why” is we want to go back and help families that look like ours,” Jones said.
“That’s what the foundation is all about, supporting those people who don’t have the help or someone to reach out to. We want to be the ones to provide that extra hand…it’s fun to be able to do this and have this opportunity with my mom. You gotta take commands again like you’re back in the house,” Worthy laughed.
Worthy and Jones brought The Worthy 1’s Foundation to Kansas City in 2025 and have already begun making a difference for single moms in the Metro area. Through hosting personal events and by offering programming and resources, they are determined to impact even just one of the 65,000 single moms in Kansas City.
“Our vision is what we’ve already embarked on, a two-pronged approach to our part of the solution. Our part is events," Jones informed. "I’ll share some testimonials of moms that come and try to create a safe, warm space for them to feel seen and heard. Those programs are how we are trying to spark change, to make someone feel good that day because that carries them to the next day. It is a huge need, but our motto is ‘One family at a time'."
Continuing this work in Kansas City means an exponential amount to Jones. Her grandmother grew up here and experienced incredible hardship as a single mother. Through it all, she supported Worthy throughout his entire life, and especially when it came to football. Unfortunately, Jones’ grandmother passed away just a few months before seeing her great grandson being drafted to play for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“We really don’t believe it was a coincidence that he came here,” Jones said with tears in her eyes. “We feel like it’s our purpose to come back here and build on a legacy that she created, just making her proud.”
Worthy would be the first to tell you that his success on and off the field would not be possible without his greatest supporter and cheerleader and the lessons she taught him throughout life, simply by modeling determination and exceptional character.
“I always tell mom that she is the person I look up to the most. If she can do it, I can go out there and work my butt off to get where I need to get,” Worthy said. “She was that visual leader for me to see what it looks like to work hard. You obviously don’t have everything given to you. She earned everything she had, and that’s what I want to live, what she taught me.”
If you want to learn more about The Worthy 1’s Foundation and discover ways you can support the mission, please visit worthy1s.org
This was our story as a single mother and son. Our “why” is to help families that look like ours.