“They either call you by your last name or where you’re from,” Canales explained to others around him, as to why McMillan’s nicknames are TMac and Nalo, which is borrowed from Waimānalo. Years ago, a lady in the community, whom Canales refers to as an auntie, made two leis for Canales and his wife, Lizzy. One has always lived in Canales’ truck, a reminder of where he came from. The other is in their home.
As they left the house Friday afternoon to come to the stadium and meet the newest draft pick, Lizzy had a thought.
“Let’s take one to TMac.”
The lei was done in the Carson High colors, where Canales got his coaching start. The colors are blue and black. As Lizzy placed it on McMillan’s neck, Canales slapped McMillan on the back and told him, “Welcome home.”
In the corner stood Dutro, wiping away tears that hit like a wave when she saw her son’s jersey hanging in his NFL locker.
“It’s just,” she began, voice breaking, “it’s real.”