Regarding the Flair, few NFL players take place between authenticity and the show as well as Xavier Legette. The second -year receiver of Carolina Panthers turned heads and sparked conversations all weekend during the 151st Kentucky Derby – not with touchdown, but with his boots, his audacity and, yes, a side of 24 km of Bacon d’Or.
NFL’s new favorite cowboy
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Legette was operated by the League as a social correspondent for Derby Weekend, and that could not have been a better match. Proud from South Carolina with deep family ties to horses, Legette has brought country charm and the power of the stars to Churchill Downs. He rolled early to connect with the fans, Marty Smith of ESPN, and – perhaps especially – his colleagues in love.
By cradling a look as a designer-mets-neighbor, Legette shared stories in her “Dolla Bill” district, her roots in Mullins and her link with the QB Bryce Young panthers. “He’s a great person … He plays with a lot of grain,” said Legette about Young, adding that the Tetairoa McMillan recruit is “a guy who can do a little.” With the two receptors aligned this fall, Legette predicted with confidence that the defenses will have full hands.
A derby start which was anything but ordinary
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Of course, it would not be an appearance Xavier Legette without a few surprises. Friday, he sampled from the bacon covered with gold and wanted to ship it to the house. On Saturday, the famous chef Guy Fieri was trying (and failed) to obtain the recipe for the raccoon of Legette, made famous in the locker rooms of the Panthers last season. Always faithful to her hometown, Legette kept secret spices.
Whether it is selfies with fans or to discuss who in the NFL would do the best jockey, Legette mixed authenticity with entertainment – a rare quality even during an event as big as the derby.
The last word:
Legette is not only a rising star on Sunday. It builds a pure Carolina brand: anchored, granular and just quite flashy. Panthers fans should complete – both man and myth are just beginning.
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