Born in Mullins, South Carolina, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette developed an early affinity for horses. He grew up riding at his uncle’s stable starting at the age of five, which instilled in him a profound connection to horses. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of both parents, Legette found solace and purpose in horses.
Legette’s played his college ball at the University of South Carolina, where he caught the attention of the NFL with The Carolina Panthers traded up their second round pick (33rd) and fifth round pick (141st) to the Buffalo Bills to nab him 32nd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Legette recorded 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns.
Legette Opens Up on His Passion for Horse Racing
Beyond football, Legette’s is dedicated to horse racing. He sees it as both a personal passion and a significant investment.
Legette appeared on the Up & Adams Show and said, “I see it as kind of a big investment. And one day I want to get into the Derby.”
Panthers WR Xavier Legette owns 14 horses 🤯
"I see it as a big investment and one day I want to get into the Derby."@heykayadams | @XavierLegette pic.twitter.com/x0je3tZWi4
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow)
His unique position as both an NFL player and a horse race owner has led to his role as the NFL’s social correspondent at the 2025 Kentucky Derby. He’s producing content that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the event, blending his football background with his equestrian interests.
Legette joins other athletes who have ventured into horse racing. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce co-owns a horse named Swift Delivery, and Wes Welker has his horse Undrafted. MLB players Alex Bregman and Walker Buehler have teamed up as owners of a promising colt, March of Time.
Coming out of college, Legette was regarded as a standout receiver. The 6’1″, 221-pound prospect clocked a 4.39 40-yard dash with a 40.0-inch vertical jump, and a 10 feet, 6 inches broad jump. His 40-yard dash was especially eye-opening for NFL scouts.
He is noted for having a dense, compact frame with a wide catch radius. He possesses elite explosiveness off the line of scrimmage that couples with his size to allow him to create separation and gain yards after the catch. Legette has work to do on his route running and needs to build consistency.
He’s entering his second-year with increased expectations as the Panthers are hoping and praying the Bryce Young will be able to build on his performance down the stretch in 2024. For that to happen, Legette will need to step up and be a dynamic performer as veteran Adam Thielen is entering the last year of his contract.
