Carolina Panthers star receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named the NFL's 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year just hours after apologizing for using a racial slur during an e-sports 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, though, as he was heard shouting the N-word twice after an interception while playing in the Streamer Bowl VII, a charity esports tournament prior to the Super Bowl.
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McMillan posted an apology on his Instagram story Thursday.
"Yesterday while on live stream, I used a term I should not have," he wrote in a statement. "There’s no excuse for what I said — I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better."
The Panthers also directed ESPN toward McMillan’s statement when asked for comment.
McMillan was up for Offensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors Thursday night in San Francisco after a fantastic start to his NFL career.
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 that next step in 2025, and McMillan was a large 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 caught five passes for 81 yards, using his connection with quarterback Bryce Young to get the ball downfield.
The Rams won the game, 34-31.
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