Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette began his preseason press conference with an unusual question: the difference between a thoroughbred and a standard horse. Legette, known for his passion for horses, answered with a smile.
Legette, who attended the Kentucky Derby this month, explained that standardbred horses, like the ones he owns, are ideal for harness racing, unlike the thoroughbreds that compete in the Derby.I have to get blood from some of the horses that already competed in the Derby if I want to do that.
Xavier Legette
Aware that additional talent increases the chances of winning, Legette celebrated the arrival of Tetairoa McMillan, wide receiver from Arizona, selected in the 2025 draft. Quarterback Bryce Young described McMillan’s addition as “music to my ears.”
We are trying to win games. Anytime you add a masterpiece like that to what we are trying to build, that’s great.
Xavier Legette
Instead of feeling threatened, Legette views McMillan’s selection with the same enthusiasm as Young, who praised TMac as “a great choice”.
Young agrees, highlighting how the offense will benefit from both players. The quarterback emphasized the “many wrinkles and little things” they can develop together within the system. Legette’s rookie season generated many questions, as did Young’s in 2023. However, Young has regained confidence, which, along with the arrival of McMillan and Legette’s experience, has prompted coach Dave Canales to believe that Young will elevate his game in 2025. Canales noticed improvements in Young’s synchronization and comfort during training. The goal is for the offense to become “Bryce Young’s offense”, fostering chemistry and teamwork. Young already perceives more confidence in Legette, who is focusing on improving hand-catching, an area where McMillan excels. Legette had seven dropped passes last season, and his catch percentage was among the lowest in the league.I feel like it’s going to be a problem either way. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s one or two. I feel like, regardless of which side they look at, they’re going to have to deal with both sides.
Xavier Legette
Canales “feels the joy” of Legette and sees a positive change in his attitude after foot surgery. Legette and McMillan’s adaptation has been excellent, according to Canales. The addition of McMillan benefits Young, who now has two tall receivers and the speed of Jimmy Horn Jr., added to the leadership of Adam Thielen, creating a dynamic group.Opening up wasn’t a problem. It was really refining the catching of the ball on the dropped passes.
Xavier Legette
McMillan, with his exceptional receiving range, is a “quarterback’s best friend,” according to Young. McMillan’s selection was not a slight to Legette, and the coaching staff discussed the possibility of drafting another receiver before the draft. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero anticipates the benefits of McMillan’s selection, predicting that he will put pressure on opponents and improve the defense.It’s a really dynamic group.
Bryce Young
All of this aligns with Canales’ desire for this to be Young’s offense, who can now “focus on growth instead of learning.” Canales also seeks a culture where competition isn’t a threat, and Legette’s acceptance of McMillan is crucial.
We all have the same goal. We just want to win offensively, we want to score, and as a team, do whatever it takes to win.
Bryce Young
