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Carolina Panthers star 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 receiver Emeka Egbuka.
McMillan, nicknamed “Tet,” found himself in some controversy Wednesday night, however, as he was heard shouting “n——, n——, pick” following an interception while playing in Streamer Bowl VII, a charity esports tournament preceding 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, during a live broadcast, I used a term that I should not have used,” he wrote in a statement. “There is no excuse for what I said – I sincerely apologize for speaking rashly and will do better.”
The Panthers also directed ESPN to McMillan’s statement when asked for comment.
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McMillan is in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors Thursday night in San Francisco after a fantastic start to his NFL career.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Imagn Images)
McMillan, taken eighth overall by the Panthers in last year’s NFL Draft, put together 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 played a big role in the team’s success that ultimately led them to win the NFC South.
In his first playoff game, a thriller against the Los Angeles Rams, McMillan had five catches for 81 yards (seven targets), using that connection with quarterback Bryce Young to bring the ball down.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Imagn Images)
Although it didn’t work out for the Panthers following an upset at home in the playoffs, the team continues to move in the right direction with players like McMillan leading the way.
