Former Troy University football star Chandler Worthy is just a few weeks away from returning to Canada for training camp in the CFL, but he stopped by Troy practice this week to share some knowledge with the current Trojan players.

Worthy is a Griffin, Ga., native that was a standout on both offense and special teams at Troy. He earned All-Sun Belt honors as a kick returner and athlete during his Troy career. During his collegiate career, Worthy caught 136 passes for 1,765 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries and completed his only pass attempt for six yards. As a kick returner, he netted, 1,912 yards and two touchdowns on 80 kickoff returns.

Worthy went on to sign with the Houston Texans in the NFL and New York Jets before taking his talents up north to the Canadian Football League. Worthy played for the Toronto Argonauts from 2017 through the 2021 season before signing with the Montreal Alouettes in 2022.

Former Troy star Chandler Worthy is making his mark in the CFL. (Photo courtesy of Montreal Alouettes)

It was 2022 that saw Worthy become a CFL All-Star, when he returned 51 kickoffs for 1,220 yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, Worthy helped lead Montreal to a Grey Cup Championship with 48 returns for 1,136 yards. During his career he’s also caught 43 passes for 461 yards and four touchdowns.

“I never thought I would be there but when I got there I saw it was a lot more than I realized at first,” Worthy said of playing in the CFL. “I’m thankful to be a part of the game and once I figured out how to dominate the game there, that’s when I started to excel in football and being a champion.”

Worthy said that the biggest difference in the CFL and NFL was the added pressure that comes with playing in the NFL.

“When you’re in the NFL – because it’s so high level and there is so much money at stake and people trying to take your job – there really isn’t ever a moment you can rest or just take a breath,” Worthy said. “The competition is at all time high and keeps you stressed. In Canada, the competition level is high but its nowhere near as pressure filled on you as the NFL is.”

The CFL also brings its on stresses for international players, however. The CFL has a limit on the amount of non-Canadian players a team can sign.

“It’s hard there, don’t get me wrong,” he emphasized. “It’s just as hard to make a team in the CFL as it is in the NFL because they may only have one or two spots available for an American. So, it’s extremely difficult but when you’re able to break through I think the pressure is a lot less on you than the NFL.”

Worthy called the experience of winning a Grey Cup Championship incredible.

“We partied for three days,” Worthy said with a smile. “We lit the city up and had parades and everyone in Montreal loves us. I’m really excited to go back and get started defending our title.”

Before training camp starts in May, Worthy returned to his alma mater in an effort to pass on some knowledge to current Troy players.

“It feels crazy to be on the other end of it here but I’m happy to be back because I remember being here and wanting someone to come back and teach me the higher levels of the game,” said Worthy. “They have a great coaching staff already doing that, so I just wanted to offer more help to the guys from a player’s point of view. So, I’m just here to serve and it feels incredible.

Worthy gives advice to Troy receivers Landon Parker and Peyton Higgins. (Photo by Josh Boutwell)

“I wanted to come back to help teach these guys some of the things I’ve learned being in great locker rooms and around great players that have had long careers. I’m trying to teach them and show them what sustains a high level of excellence and if I can get just one kid to take that and believe in it then it’s worth it.”

Worthy – who could be seen working out with receivers after Troy’s Tuesday practice – said that the talent he sees at Troy now reminds him of when he was a Trojan. The coaching staff has also impressed him. Troy offensive coordinator Sean Reagan and offensive line coach Caleb Carbine were on the staff when Worthy was playing. Current Troy analyst Trey Page also played alongside Worthy.

“They’re incredible, incredible men. I was with some of those (coaches) when I was here, so I know they have great character and I know they’ll do a great job of leading these guys,” Worthy said of the coaching staff. “Meeting the new coaches since I’ve been here, I think they’ve done a good job of bringing in guys that aren’t coaching in a toxic way of tearing down players but instead are building them up and keeping it competitive in a great way. That’s really cool to see.”

Worthy and Montreal will begin training camp in Canada on May 9.

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