Worley began his collegiate career at the University of Georgia in 1985. He was the team’s second leading rusher as a freshman with 627 yards and led the team in touchdowns with 10. That same year, he scored an 89-yard touchdown against No. 1 ranked Florida, finishing with 125 yards rushing and leading Georgia to a 24-3 upset. To date, Worley’s 1985 team is the first—and only—UGA football team to defeat the #1 ranked team in the country.

In 1988, Worley re-emerged with his focus balanced on both the books and the football field. He led Georgia in rushing with 1,216 yards, which ranks seventh among Georgia running backs for a single season. He was named first-team All-American by Kodak, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and the Football Writers Association of America. United Press International named him its SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He finished his career at Georgia with 2,038 yards, 27 touchdowns and 5.8 yards per carry (fifth all-time at Georgia). Tim only played two full seasons, plus four games during his time at the University of Georgia.

The Steelers traded Worley to the Bears in 1993 for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade, intended to enhance the Bears’ rushing attack with Neal Anderson and to resurrect Worley’s career, failed on both fronts. Failure to produce on the field, and a series of arrests off the field, plagued Worley. After appearing in only five games during the 1994 NFL season, the Bears released him, and Worley chose to retire from the NFL.

On October 23, 2007, Worley was inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame, which recognizes the careers and outstanding performances that have occurred during the decades-long rivalry.

Worley’s troubles with the law resurfaced on April 13, 2008, as he was arrested for speeding and failure to maintain the lane in Smyrna, Georgia. It is commonly believed that Worley was arrested for driving under the influence, however he was never charged with that offense nor with a DUI. Officers used a Taser to subdue Worley after an altercation with the arresting officer. Police held Worley in custody on outstanding warrants from Arcade in Jackson County and Social Circle in Walton County. Worley now credits that police officer with “saving his life,” and refers to the incident as the defining moment prompting his re-commitment to his faith and fueling his entrepreneurial spirit.

Worley was also inducted into the Robeson County Hall of Fame in 2011.

In 2013, Worley was selected as the University of Georgia’s “SEC Legend.” Based on stringent criteria outlined by the Southeastern Conference, Worley was chosen by the most senior administrative officers at the University of Georgia, with the athletic director, Greg McGarity, having the final say in the decision. He was honored on the field during the 2013 SEC Championship game in Atlanta.

Today, Worley is a John C. Maxwell-certified Speaker and Life Skills Consultant, and a certified Human Behavior Consultant (DISC Personality Assessment). He is contracted with K-LOVE / AiR1 Radio as a speaker for its national “Dare to Dream” school assembly program. Worley travels the country speaking to thousands in the amateur sports, professional sports, corporate, leadership, ministry and youth sports league sectors. His is currently penning his memoir, which is slated for publishing in 2017.