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Xavier Legette turned heads at Kentucky Derby in style and spirit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 7, 2025 1:10 AM ET

When it comes to flair, few NFL players walk the line between authenticity and spectacle quite like Xavier Legette. The Carolina Panthers’ second-year wide receiver turned heads and sparked conversations all weekend long during the 151st Kentucky Derby—not with touchdowns, but with his boots, his boldness, and, yes, a side of 24K gold bacon.

The NFL’s New Favorite Cowboy

Legette was tapped by the league as a social correspondent for Derby weekend, and it couldn’t have been a better match. A proud South Carolina native with deep family ties to horses, Legette brought country charm and star power to Churchill Downs. He rolled in early to connect with fans, ESPN’s Marty Smith, and—perhaps most importantly—his fellow horse lovers.

XL teaches @MartySmithESPN how to ride Dolla Bill pic.twitter.com/RcgQmE3RC3
— Blande (@JustBlande) May 3, 2025

Rocking a designer-meets-ranch look, Legette shared stories about his quarter horse “Dolla Bill,” his roots in Mullins, and his bond with Panthers QB Bryce Young. “He a great person… he plays with a lot of grit,” Legette said of Young, adding that rookie Tetairoa McMillan is “a guy that can do a little bit of everything.” With both receivers lined up this fall, Legette confidently predicted defenses will have their hands full.

Xavier Legette at the 2025 Kentucky Derby as the NFL's official social correspondent#keeppounding pic.twitter.com/w8Wc2qE6gm
— Blande (@JustBlande) May 3, 2025

A Derby Debut That Was Anything But Ordinary

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Xavier Legette appearance without a few surprises. On Friday, he sampled gold-covered bacon—and wanted to ship it home. By Saturday, celebrity chef Guy Fieri was trying (and failing) to get Legette’s raccoon recipe, made famous in the Panthers locker room last season. Always loyal to his hometown, Legette kept the spices secret.

.@GuyFieri really wants @XavierLegette's special raccoon recipe @Panthers | @KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/04XYDXLydG
— NFL (@NFL) May 3, 2025

Whether taking selfies with fans or discussing who in the NFL would make the best jockey, Legette blended authenticity with entertainment—a rare quality even at an event as grand as the Derby.

The Final Word:

Legette isn’t just a rising star on Sundays. He’s building a brand that’s pure Carolina: grounded, gritty, and just flashy enough. Panthers fans should buckle up—both the man and the myth are just getting started.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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