Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette left both fans and NFL peers in disbelief this week after revealing an unusual dietary preference during an appearance on the St. Brown Podcast. Hosted by NFL brothers Equanimeous and Amon-Ra St. Brown, the show took an unexpected turn when Legette candidly shared his taste for a meat not commonly found on most dinner tables.
The Big Reveal
When asked by Equanimeous St. Brown to share his “hottest food take,” Legette delivered an answer that stunned both hosts and viewers alike.
“I eat raccoons,” Legette said nonchalantly. “Like a raccoon that you see in the trash. … I hunt it, I kill it. I skin ’em, cook ’em. Eat ’em. All of that.”
The revelation left the St. Brown brothers visibly perplexed. Equanimeous went from laughing to furrowing his brow in disbelief, while Amon-Ra looked equally baffled. The Panthers rookie then added that raccoon meat even made an appearance at his Thanksgiving dinner this year.
“I last had it during Thanksgiving,” Legette explained, further cementing his unique culinary choice as a central part of his lifestyle.
A Viral Sensation
The clip of Legette’s unexpected admission quickly went viral on social media, with fans and fellow players sharing their reactions. While some admired his openness and connection to his rural roots, others couldn’t hide their shock.
“This guy is built different. Respect for staying true to who you are,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another joked, “I don’t even know what to say… just make sure he washes his hands before catching passes.”
This isn’t the first time Legette has gained attention for his food-related moments. Last month, he amused fans during the Panthers’ game in Munich against the New York Giants by enthusiastically reviewing German sausages. His unfiltered personality and willingness to try new things have made him a standout off the field.
RELATED: Aaron Rodgers Shares Wild UFO Conspiracy Theories and Plan to ‘Call Aliens’ on Pat McAfee Show
Rooted in Southern Traditions
Legette’s fondness for raccoon meat is deeply tied to his upbringing in Mullins, South Carolina. Growing up in a rural community, he embraced hunting and cooking as essential skills. Hunting raccoons, in particular, has long been a tradition in parts of the rural South, where the meat is often prepared as a delicacy.
Staying true to his roots, Legette stayed in-state to play college football at the University of South Carolina. Now, as a professional athlete, his rural upbringing continues to define his personality. Among his Panthers teammates, he’s earned the unofficial title of the most “country” player on the roster, a distinction he wears with pride.
“Hunting, skinning, cooking raccoons—that’s just part of how I grew up,” Legette shared in a follow-up interview. “It’s not unusual where I’m from.”
Why Raccoon?
For those unfamiliar with the practice, raccoon meat is described by enthusiasts as flavorful and surprisingly versatile when prepared correctly. It’s often roasted, stewed, or barbecued, with recipes passed down through generations. However, for many, the idea of eating a creature commonly associated with scavenging urban trash cans is difficult to digest.
Legette dismissed the stigma, saying, “It’s all about how you prepare it. Once you cook it right, it’s as good as anything else you’d eat.”
On the Field and Off
Legette’s rookie season with the Panthers has been a mix of adjusting to the NFL and making an impression as a player and a personality. His openness about his unconventional diet adds another layer to his growing reputation as a down-to-earth and unapologetically authentic individual.
On the field, Legette is working hard to establish himself in the league, bringing the same determination to his game as he does to his unique culinary choices. As he continues to develop, fans and teammates alike are taking notice of his grit and character.
Reactions and Cultural Conversations
Legette’s admission has sparked broader discussions about cultural traditions and the role of food in personal identity. While some fans have expressed disbelief, others have praised him for embracing his upbringing and sharing a perspective that’s rarely seen in the NFL.
“He’s showing us all that being yourself is what matters,” one fan commented on Instagram. “And honestly, if he can eat raccoon and still perform on the field, who are we to judge?”
Looking Ahead
As Xavier Legette’s NFL journey unfolds, his personality and authenticity continue to make him a fan favorite. Whether he’s catching passes or sharing insights into his unique lifestyle, Legette is proving that he’s one of the most interesting rookies in the league.
While his taste for raccoon may not become a league-wide trend, his willingness to share his story and stay true to his roots sets him apart in a sport that often prioritizes conformity.
For Legette, embracing his individuality is just as important as excelling on the gridiron—and it’s clear he’s succeeding at both.
