{"id":739366,"date":"2026-02-09T03:33:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T03:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/739366\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T03:33:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T03:33:32","slug":"panthers-star-tetairoa-mcmillan-named-offensive-rookie-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/739366\/","title":{"rendered":"Panthers star Tetairoa McMillan named Offensive Rookie of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tetairoa <\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo\/Jacob Kupferman)<\/p>\n

McMillan posted an apology on his Instagram story Thursday.<\/p>\n

“Yesterday while on live stream, I used a term I should not have,” he wrote in a statement. “There\u2019s no excuse for what I said \u2014 I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better.”<\/p>\n

The Panthers also directed ESPN<\/a> toward McMillan\u2019s statement when asked for comment.<\/p>\n

PANTHERS STARS BRYCE YOUNG, RICO DOWDLE SHARE OPTIMISM AFTER MAKING PLAYOFFS: \u2018A STARTING POINT IN CAROLINA\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a> career.<\/p>\n

\"Tetairoa <\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan makes a catch for a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton\/Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

McMillan, taken eighth overall by the Panthers in last year\u2019s NFL Draft, put together a rookie campaign with 70 receptions (122 targets) for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.<\/p>\n

The Panthers needed a playmaker to take that next step in 2025, and McMillan was a large part of the team\u2019s success that ultimately led to them winning the NFC South.<\/p>\n

\"Tetairoa <\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton\/Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Rams won the game, 34-31.<\/p>\n

Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s sports coverage on X<\/a>\u00a0and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n