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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette was ejected during the team’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns after getting into a physical altercation. Legette, the Panthers’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was ejected alongside Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter after exchanging blows on the field.
Cleveland Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins (28) and Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) fight during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 8, 2025. (Scott Kinser/ The USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
This brawl occurred after Jenkins seemed to continue blocking Legette after the play had ended. Legette landed several punches while Jenkins managed to remove his helmet during the altercation.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales stated that both players deserved to be disqualified after getting physical, even though Legette was following the play as instructed. Canales emphasized the importance of not engaging in physical altercations on the field.
Wide receiver Xavier Legette, #17 of the Carolina Panthers, and safety Rayshawn Jenkins, #28 of the Cleveland Browns, have an altercation in the first half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Bank of America Stadium on August 8, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Legette issued an apology to fans following the game, expressing regret for his actions and thanking the fans for their support.
Cleveland Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins (28) rips off Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) helmet in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Both players were ejected from the game on Aug. 8, 2025. (Bob Donnan/ Imagn Images)
The Panthers will begin their season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 7.
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