Celebrity Equestrians: Xavier Legette
Carolina Panthers first-round pick wide receiver, Xavier Legette, rides to escape.
Growing up in Mullins, South Carolina, Legette began riding at his uncle’s stable when he was five years old. It was his home away from home, especially after the loss of both of his parents.
“That’s his getaway,” his aunt Chrystle Neal told ESPN. “He really wanted to be a veterinarian, but only if he could just take care of dogs and horses,” she said.
That dream may not have come to fruition, but Legette will be able to care for a lot of dogs and horses after securing a four-year, $12 million dollar deal with the Panthers. His current horse is named Dollar Bill.
@nfloncbs What an amazing name for a horse #nfl #xavierlegette #carolina #carolinapanthers #horses ♬ original sound – NFL on CBS
“When I want to take my mind off football and just relax, I hunt and ride them horses,” he told ESPN. “I gained energy from it early.”
Legette attributes his discipline and instincts on the football field to caring for horses. Not just cleaning out stalls and bucking hay, but learning to read horses has helped him predict his opponents next move.
“With a horse, if they’re not feeling you, they put their ears back,” Legette said. “How does that compare to me in football? I have to feel [the defenders’] energy to see if I’m going to be able to be cool with them. Horses can feel your energy, just like any animal can feel if you’re afraid of it. They give you indicators. You have to stay alert, just like in football.”
Legette’s social media accounts are sparse, probably a sign that a Panthers PR agent was assigned to curate them as soon as the contract was signed, but his Instagram stories show a steady stream of riding photos dating back to 2020. It appears Legette is a legit urban cowboy, often riding down the small town Mullins streets with family and friends. Although Dollar Bill doesn’t always agree with his riding attire.
Go riding.
Amanda Uechi Ronan is an author, equestrian, and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @amanda_uechi_ronan.