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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.
However, McMillan, nicknamed “Tet,” found himself in some controversy Wednesday night when he was heard yelling, “n——, n——, pick” after an interception while playing in Streamer Bowl VII, a charity esports tournament ahead of the Super Bowl.
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 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 live stream, I used an expression I shouldn’t have,” he wrote in a statement. “There is no apology for what I said – I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better.”
The Panthers also directed ESPN at McMillan’s statement when asked for comment.
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McMillan is up for Offensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors Thursday night in San Francisco after a stellar start to his NFL career.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Imagn Images)
Drafted eighth overall by the Panthers in last year’s NFL Draft, McMillan 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 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 hauled in five catches 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 in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Imagn Images)
Although the Panthers fell short of an upset at home in the playoffs, the team continues to move in the right direction with players like McMillan leading the way.
