From Mullins to the NFL, Xavier Legette has made quite a name for himself! And, it remains incomplete without acknowledging his parents’ support. Drafted in 2024 by the Carolina Panthers, it was a dream that he shared with his late mom, Anita. Playing football at the University of South Carolina, he finds the motivation to dream big from his parents, Anita and Anthony.

Even though Legette is now orphaned, he is now finding the purpose of his life in sports. And through this, he is honoring his parents, who continue to bless him from above!

Who were Anita Reaves Legette and Anthony Legette

For Legette, grappling with the loss of both of his parents was not easy. The family grew up in a small town, as Anita and Anthony raised Xavier in Mullins, South Carolina. And, given the small population and economic deprivation at Mullins, things were tough.

Anthony was juggling multiple jobs, working as a mechanic, while finding roles in other fields. Talking of Anthony, Legette’s Mullins’ coach, Williams, remarked, “He worked all the time, man.” Anita was also brilliant and was determined to bring them out of poverty. She was a track star and softball player, and devoted time to South Carolina Head Start for helping the young children in need.

With Xavier Legette’s birth, his parents had found a new ray of hope. Anita called Xavier her “million-dollar baby,” adding, “That boy is going to make me some money because he won’t stop running.” But, immediately after his birth, the Legettes faced major turmoil. His mother, Anita, was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she remained strong for her family. Anita’s mom, Linda Neal, also noted her dying wish, “I just don’t want to leave my children.”

Not only this, just before Legette was set to graduate high school, Anthony died of a heart attack in 2019. Xavier panicked at the moment. Unable to wake him up, he told his maternal grandmother, Linda Neal, “I think my daddy died.” She spoke about his ordeal in an interview dated April 2024.

But he still carries his father’s work ethic with him. Despite everything, Xavier Legette continues to carry his family’s legacy and memories with him.

Xavier pays tribute to his late mom after passing away from cancer

When Legette entered high school, he faced the first major loss in his life as his mom passed away in 2015. But, for whatever he is today, he never fails to credit his mom. She not only passed on her athleticism to him but also her compassion.

His coach, Eric Troy noted in an interview in April 2024, “She gave him the traits that made him a first-rounder.”When the NFL’s “Crucial Catch” game took place, Legette donned pink cleats to honor his mom’s memories.

As he recalled her battle with cancer, he noted, “I didn’t really know anything about it, I just knew she would be sick.” And, whenever he plays on fields, he remembers how she supported him from the sidelines. “She’d just be happy for me. And if I mess up, she’s going to let it be known to the whole crowd out there,” he remarked.

Legette was confident he would make it to the NFL as he wanted to build a huge house for her. As he remodeled his childhood home, he added, “I’m going to make it even bigger because our house burned down when I was in third grade, and my mom had to get it all the way remodeled.”

When his coach added, “Only if your mom and dad could be here,” Legette replied, “Coach, they’re here.” Their memories always lighten his spirits and give him the strength to embrace the challenges.