Carolina Panthers WR Xavier Legette Brings Teammates Home to South Carolina Roots

Bringing NFL Teammates to Marion County

Growing up in Marion County, Xavier Legette became one of the few local residents to reach the professional ranks. Before the 2026 season kicked off, the second-year wide receiver welcomed several Panthers teammates, including quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver David Moore, to experience his day-to-day life away from the gridiron.

Sports Illustrated documented the weekend trip, which featured outdoor activities such as riding all-terrain vehicles and trail riding. Legette expressed appreciation for the visit, emphasizing what it meant for the small town to see familiar faces interacting with outsiders.

Legette told OutKick in a recent interview, “To tell you the truth, man, that part of it was great — for them to be able to come and do those things. But I think the best thing really in my eyes about the whole situation was them boys being able to come in my community. People in my community being able to see other people other than me, you know what I’m saying? Because they always see me.”

Local Cuisine and Viral Traditions

Known for his distinct southern accent and lighthearted media appearances since the Panthers selected him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Legette has embraced sharing his rural upbringing with fans. During the team’s visit to Mullins, local culinary traditions were on display.

Legette noted that his teammates had the opportunity to sample wild game hunted in the area, including raccoon. While quarterback Bryce Young departed before the dish was fully prepared, fellow wide receiver David Moore tried the local fare.

Family remains central to Legette’s journey in professional football. Reflecting on his upbringing and the community support that shaped his career, Legette shared, “I grew up there and I’m one of the first ones to be able to be in this position that I am being from Marion County. So just being able for them to see other faces, they was excited. Everyone know everybody, but my family, it stands out to me, you know what I’m saying? They’re the ones that helped me able to do this. They shaped me into being who I am today. I got my love for them. It’s out of this world and being able to just go through the growing pains with them, ups and downs, and then it’s nothing but smiles on their face. That’s what I love to see.”

Partnerships Highlighting Equine Passions

Legette’s attachment to his horses, particularly a prized animal named Dime Piece, has influenced his off-field projects. The wide receiver partnered with Bojangles and Pepsi for a Halloween-themed commercial series celebrating his country lifestyle and love for horses.

The campaign coincides with the October 1 rollout of the Bojangles Bite Box featuring limited-edition haunted house packaging. Legette described the collaboration as one of his largest to date, noting that the creative direction specifically incorporated his real-life passions.

“I think it’s a great collab. It’s one of the biggest ones I’ve ever did, and man, I hope we can come up with something else for the future,” Legette said. “They understand my love for the horses and they wanted to bring that to life with this commercial. It’s great.”

As Legette balances his professional commitments with the Panthers and commercial partnerships, his connection to Mullins continues to ground his career in the NFL, ensuring that his roots remain visible both in South Carolina and on national platforms.