By Cameron Lee
June 5, 2025
Photo: Ben Liebenberg / AP
Mullins, South Carolina native and Panthers 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most popular players. The second-year wide receiver, drafted 32nd overall last year out of the University of South Carolina, is featured on the artwork for GloRilla’s new single, “Typa,” set to drop on June 6.
It’s GloRilla’s first single of the year, following her debut studio album Glorious, released in October, which brought two North Carolina tour stops: Charlotte in March at Bojangles Coliseum and Dreamville Fest in April.
.@XavierLegette really was the main character at the @KentuckyDerby 😂 pic.twitter.com/tBSRtLmofO
— NFL (@NFL) May 8, 2025
Legette has taken the internet by storm since being drafted last April, thanks to his deep Southern drawl and endearing cowboy persona. He was a fan favorite at the Kentucky Derby while serving as the NFL’s social media correspondent, and he recently went viral for his candid reactions during the Carolina Hurricanes’ NHL Eastern Conference Finals game in Raleigh with Bleacher Report.
Despite his off-field popularity, Legette had a modest rookie season, catching 49 passes for 497 yards (10.1 yards per catch) and recording seven drops. He battled lingering foot and wrist injuries throughout the year and underwent minor foot surgery in the offseason, along with treatment for his wrist, to address the discomfort. Improving his catching technique has been a focal point of his offseason training.
“I want to do a whole lot more this season,” he said during media availability at OTAs. “Mainly just trying to catch it more with my hands instead of letting it get to my body or crossing my eyes.”
If Legette can put together a breakout year — with endorsement deals already stacking up and a signature touchdown celebration — there’s no doubt the Panthers could have their first true superstar since Cam Newton.
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