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Carolina Panthers star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year just hours after apologizing for using a racial slur during an esports event Wednesday night.
McMillan won the award over New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
McMillan, nicknamed “Tet,” became embroiled in some controversy Wednesday night, when he was heard yelling “n——, n——, pick” following an interception while playing in Streamer Bowl VII, a charity esports tournament before the Super Bowl.
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
McMillan posted an apology on his Instagram Stories on Thursday.
“Yesterday, while on a live stream, I used a term I shouldn’t have used,” he wrote in a statement. “There is no excuse for what I said; I sincerely apologize for speaking without thinking and I will do better.”
The Panthers also directed ESPN to McMillan’s statement when asked for comment.
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McMillan is nominated for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award at the NFL Honors Thursday night in San Francisco after a fantastic start to his NFL career.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches for a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Image Images)
McMillan, selected eighth overall by the Panthers in last year’s NFL Draft, had a rookie campaign with 70 receptions (122 targets) for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Panthers needed a playmaker to take the next step in 2025, and McMillan was a big part of the team’s success that ultimately led to them winning the NFC South.
In his first playoff game, a thriller against the Los Angeles Rams, McMillan recorded five receptions for 81 yards (seven targets), using that connection with quarterback Bryce Young to get the ball downfield.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Image Images)
While it didn’t work out for the Panthers with a home upset in the playoffs, the team continues to head in the right direction with players like McMillan leading the way.
