Xavier Legette reveals ‘real voice’ in Panthers schedule reveal

“When I was younger, I knew I wanted to be an American football player,” Legette “said” with the British accent. “So I thought having a Southern accent would make people think I was tough. But the truth is, I love the finer things in life.

“I love fine wine and artisan cheeses. I curate works of art from around the world. And of course, appreciate a little light reading.”

The Panthers traded into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select Legette out of South Carolina, and he finished as the second-leading receiver behind Adam Thielen. He totaled 497 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, but he continues to thrive off the field, as well.

Legette hasn’t hid from his love for horses, and he attended the Kentucky Derby earlier this month. He served as the NFL’s social correspondent, engaging with fans and doing interviews throughout the day.

This offseason, the Panthers were active in the NFL draft adding more weapons for Bryce Young. Carolina selected a wide receiver in former Arizona star Tetairoa McMillan, which could impact Legette’s second season in the league.

However, Carolina coach Dave Canales doesn’t expect the move to negatively impact Xavier Legette’s production. He sees McMillan’s addition as a way to further improve the mindset within the wide receiver room.

“The guys feed off of good energy,” Canales said. “The guys feed off of watching this player make this play a certain way. They kind of just talk to each other, and just cross-pollenating all of that, bringing talented guys around. Xavier, who’s a tireless worker, the things that he brings. He sets a good culture and a good precedent for the rest of the rookie class coming in. They’re gonna see what a young guy looks like applying themself to what we’re doing.”

Carolina will open the 2025 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That game will kick off Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. ET.