HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – This year’s NFL Draft is in the books with a number of player with local ties getting their names called.
Waimanalo’s own Tetairoa McMillan went off the board early, going eighth overall to the Carolina Panthers.
The Arizona receiver is the first Hawaii-born player since Tua Tagovailoa in 2020 to be taken in the first round.
After attending the draft last week in Green Bay, he flew back to Oahu this weekend and celebrated with his family in Waimanalo.
Hawaii News Now had a chance to catch up with him Monday afternoon before he took off for Carolina.
“It’s been hectic the last four months really, just finally being able to, with the draft process being over, finally knowing what team I get to play for, what jersey I get to put on, just kind of taking a step away and just enjoying my family,” McMillan said.
McMillan said he’s soaking up as much time at home, especially at the beach, before heading out.
“It’s a big moment not only for me, but for my family, and at the end of the day, those are the people that invested in me and took the time out to make sure that I’m the best person and best player I need to be,” McMillan said.
“Obviously I wouldn’t be here without them, and it’s always a good time to just come back home and chill, enjoy the weather, enjoy the water, enjoy family,” he said.
McMillan told us the last thing he needed to eat before taking off for Carolina: macadamia nut pancakes from Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen.
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