Watch the viral video featuring NFL star Xavier Legette hunting and cooking a squirrel
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette, known for his unconventional diet, has previously shared his love for eating raccoons, squirrels, and even rabbits, leaving many to raise an eyebrow at his bold food choices. In a recent Instagram story, Legette posted a video of himself proudly holding a squirrel he had not only caught but also skinned, leaving fans shocked and intrigued by his wild culinary habits.
Xavier Legette hunts and skins squirrel after revealing he eats raccoon meat, video goes viral
Drafted by the Panthers in 2024 as the 32nd overall pick, Legette had a standout first season in the NFL, recording 49 receptions, 497 yards, and four touchdowns. Despite his impressive performance on the field, his hunting practices continue to spark debate, with fans divided over the ethics of his actions.
Why Xavier Legette is going viral?
A video featuring Carolina Panthers rookie Xavier Legette hunting, skinning, and cooking a squirrel has ignited a firestorm of outrage across social media. The 20-second clip, which went viral on Friday, shows the wide receiver holding a partially skinned squirrel, while reportedly saying they had “busted the squirrel out of the tree” and “opened him up,” before placing the animal on a grill to cook.
🚨🚨THIS IS CRAZY🚨🚨 #Panthers rookie WR Xavier Legette took a squirrel out the tree and RIPPED ITS SKIN OFF.
“Took the clothes off him.”
XL is now going to cook it and eat it for dinner.
This man 😭😭😭https://t.co/FgwkifSfIO
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 10, 2025
The disturbing footage quickly amassed over 2.9 million views, triggering a flood of reactions in the comment section, with most expressing disgust. One user described the video as “vile and barbaric,” citing it as the reason they adopted a vegan lifestyle. Another suggested that Legette should be “suspended,” while a third called for him to “be arrested for animal abuse.”
However, not all viewers condemned Legette’s actions. Some fans came to his defense, arguing that hunting and preparing food in this manner could be an essential survival skill. One supporter commented that in a survival situation, they would want to be with someone like Legette. Another fan remarked that he “hunts and fends for himself” and emphasized that Legette was not engaging in the negative behaviors associated with other public figures, referencing NFL player Tyreek Hill.
Legette’s preference for unconventional meats is hardly a surprise. The rookie has previously shared raccoon meat with his Panthers teammates and media members, offering those willing to try it a unique culinary experience. During a Thanksgiving appearance on the St. Brown Podcast, Legette explained that raccoon meat was “regular” for him, having eaten it since childhood.
Xavier Legette says he eats raccoon and Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown are in disbelief 💀
Legette also says he eats squirrel and rabbits. pic.twitter.com/v8vZ444Kkf
— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) December 11, 2024