The Carolina Panthers have defied expectations in 2025. What started as a difficult season turned into a stunning run, culminating in the team's first NFC South title since 2015 and a trip to the playoffs.
Amidst the team's dramatic turnaround, one of the most exciting new pieces has been second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette. The South Carolina product has quickly become a fan favorite, not just for his charismatic interviews and thick accent, but for the highlight-reel plays he's delivered on the field.
Upon entering the NFL, every young receiver faces a crucial decision: how will they celebrate their first career touchdown? For Legette, who found the end zone in Week 4of 2024 against the Bengals, the answer involved a now-iconic celebration—mimicking riding a horse, a move deeply significant to the receiver. His teammates quickly got in on the antics, cementing the 'horse' as a symbol of the team's renewed energy.
Fast forward to his first playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, and Legette was spotted on a horse hours before.
Here is the background info about the inspiration for Legette's dance.
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Xavier Legette touchdown dance, explained
Legette's first touchdown was an eight-yard pass from Dalton. Once he scored, the wide receiver started galloping around the endzone. He then motioned with his hands like he was holding a saddle. Legette then rode his imaginary horse to the sideline with his teammates trailing on their own horses.
Who is Dolla Bill?
The legend of Legette only grows when you learn that he has a pet horse affectionately named Dolla Bill. The wide receiver first rode a horse when he was five. After that, his uncle would bring horses to Legette's house every year for his birthday.
Xavier Legette first rode a horse at the age of 5. He know owns a quarter horse named Dolla Bill. Pic.twitter.com/5il3rzJtM6
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) May 10, 2024
This inspired Legette to buy a quarter horse of his own, which then led to his touchdown celebration. He told his teammates what to expect if he scored a touchdown so they could get involved. Legette also joined fellow Gamecock Deebo Samuel on his Cleats & Convos podcast and even demonstrated a little of his planned celebration whenever he got that first touchdown.
Need Xavier Legette in the end zone this week so we get this TD celebration 😆
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 25, 2024
(via Cleats & Convos with Deebo Samuel) pic.twitter.com/43zJGhAoOd