Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette is at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby where he is working as the NFL’s correspondent, but he has bigger racing dreams
Xavier Legette, the NFL’s rising star with a southern twang and a love for all things equestrian, has set his sights on the Kentucky Derby.
The 24-year-old Carolina Panthers wide receiver is soaking up the atmosphere at Churchill Downs this weekend, where he’s serving as the NFL‘s social media correspondent. Surrounded by fellow NFL stars like Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams to witness “The fastest two minutes in sports,” Legette dreams of owning a horse that will compete in the Derby one day.
Travis Kelce saw his horse come so close last year, with his racehorse having a Taylor Swift-inspired name. Legette now has a full stable of 14 horses and hopes to be amongst the action in the coming years.
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After a standout rookie year with the Panthers, following his selection as the last pick in the first round a year ago, Legette has become more than just a player to watch on the gridiron. He’s a fan favorite for keeping it country despite his success.
Hailing from Mullins, South Carolina, Legette has been candid about his unique penchant for hunting and feasting on raccoons. His lifelong enthusiasm for horseback riding has only grown with his NFL earnings, allowing him to amass a stable of 14 horses.
On the ‘Up and Adams‘ show at Churchill Downs on Friday, Legette shared, “I see it as like kind of a big investment,” expressing his ambition to enter the world of Derby racing.
Legette’s collection includes both racehorses and leisure mounts that he enjoys riding in his downtime. His devotion to “The sport of kings” can be traced back to his younger days.
“I was about five years old, and ever since I was a little boy, my uncle was bringing horses to my house, every year for my birthday. We would go out there to the stable on the weekend,” he shared in a press conference earlier this season.
Legette believes that his time spent around horses has honed his instincts for the football field. He explained to ESPN: “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, who made 49 catches for 497 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season, has tipped 30/1 outsider Chunk of Gold to win the Derby. Journalism is the 7/2 favourite for the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by 5/1 shot Sandman, with Sovereignty and Luxor Cafe priced at 9/1.
A staggering prize fund of $5 million is up for grabs in the Derby, which is scheduled to start at 6:57 ET on Saturday. The winning horse will bag a whopping $3.1 million.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
