Tetairoa McMillan expresses his excitement about teaming up with Bryce Young, stating that the rookie quarterback is set to shine brightly with the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers' Tetairoa McMillan Ready to Team Up with Bryce Young
The NFL Draft picked Tetairoa McMillan by the Panthers as their eighth overall selection in 2025. As a talented wide receiver, he is expected to bolster the Carolina offense alongside quarterback Bryce Young.
McMillan and Young have an interesting background, having hailed from high schools less than 30 minutes apart in California. They crossed paths in Young's senior year of high school in 2019, with Young's team emerging victorious by a substantial margin of 45 points.
Speaking with reporters, McMillan highlighted the strong bond between him and Young, claiming they were more than just teammates. "Bryce and I can discuss everyday topics, like any regular individuals," he shared. "But let me tell you, he's far from reaching his peak. I've had the pleasure of witnessing his skills since he was in youth ball. He's been the best player on every team he's been a part of since youth."
McMillan's praise for Young is not unwarranted, as Young was the country's top high school quarterback and the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He endured a challenging rookie season, marked by a mediocre passer rating of 72.2 and an unimpressive 2.1% touchdown percentage. However, Young showed improvement during his second season, boosting his passer rating to 82.2 and guiding the Panthers to four victories.
"I have no doubt that Young will set the league ablaze," McMillan noted. "I'm thrilled to join forces with him and hopefully contribute to his success. I'm eager to see what the future has in store for this offense."
McMillan has garnered attention as the top wide receiver prospect in the 2025 draft, besides Travis Hunter. At 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, he is one of the league's larger receivers and is expected to thrive as an immediate red zone threat for Young. Last season, he showcased his abilities against New Mexico with an impressive four touchdowns and 304 receiving yards.
McMillan credits Young's humility as a key trait, likening him to a player who has consistently been the best on every team he's been a part of. "Since Mater Dei, he's been the No. 1 player in the nation every year," McMillan revealed. "Despite his tremendous accomplishments, he's never let his success get the better of him. He has remained humble and unassuming, making him an even more compelling player."
In another development, McMillan has entered a partnership with Sharpie for his first NFL contract. He signed a four-year, $27.9 million deal using a Sharpie S-Gel pen earlier this month. McMillan appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with Sharpie, a brand he has long trusted for signing autographs and writing contracts. The partnership will extend beyond the signing ceremony, as McMillan and Sharpie plan to create engaging social media content.
Tetairoa McMillan, the newly drafted wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, shares a unique background with quarterback Bryce Young, having hailed from high schools in California. In McMillan's estimation, Young is far from reaching his peak, citing his impressive skills since youth football and his consistent status as the country's top quarterback, evident in his first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. McMillan's awe for Young extends beyond their shared sport, as he acknowledges Young's humility and unassuming nature, setting him apart on and off the field.
