Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette had a chance to not only to secure the very top highlight of his rookie campaign on Sunday, but a chance to etch an all-time moment into franchise lore. But unfortunately, it fell through his hands.
With his team down by six points in the final minute of their closely-contested matchup against the heavily-favored Philadelphia Eagles, Legette dropped what would have been a game-tying 32-yard touchdown catch.
Oh my goodness…. incomplete.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/jiFzpyWSIE
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 8, 2024
The Panthers, two plays later, would turn the possession over on downs at Philadelphia’s 37-yard line—clinching a tough 22-16 loss.
Legette was asked about the painful play after the game.
“I done made a couple plays, but I gotta make the ones when they matter,” he stated. “That was the one to win the game.”
Xavier Legette: Have to make the plays when they matter. pic.twitter.com/OlgIN6ZcDA
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 8, 2024
The 23-year-old also told reporters that he initially thought he had made the catch.
“I thought I caught that,” he said. “Then I just watched the video, they just put the replay up, I ain’t know it hit the ground.”
Xavier Legette: “I thought I caught that” – adds that he didn’t know it was incomplete until he watched the replay.#Panthers pic.twitter.com/mQ9xrM01RH
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) December 8, 2024
Legette, who dropped a few other passes prior to that fateful one, ended the outing with two receptions for 39 yards over eight targets.
