Carolina Panthers Rookie Shines on a National Level

Tetairoa McMillan making his first career reception vs. Jacksonville in Week 1 of the 2025 season

By Kevin Tolbert

SAN FRANCISCO — Tetairoa McMillan put an exclamation point on a historic rookie season Thursday night, earning Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year honors at the annual NFL Honors ceremony.

McMillan became the first Carolina Panthers player to win the award since Cam Newton in 2011, capping a debut campaign that stood out across the league.

The rookie wide receiver led all first-year players in receptions (70) and receiving yards (1,014), finishing 14th in the NFL overall in yardage. His seven receiving touchdowns were also the most by any rookie this season.

McMillan consistently delivered big plays, recording 27 explosive receptions of 16 yards or more—the most explosive catches and plays by a rookie in 2025. He was particularly effective in critical moments, catching seven passes on fourth down, six of which resulted in first downs. Across the NFL, McMillan tied for the league lead in fourth-down receptions and produced five explosive plays on those catches.

He also led all rookies with 55 receiving first downs, a mark that ranked seventh league-wide. McMillan posted two 100-yard receiving performances and caught at least one pass in all 17 games. His standout effort came in Week 6 against Dallas, when he earned NFL Rookie of the Week honors after hauling in three receptions for 29 yards and two touchdowns in a 30–27 victory.

A product of Arizona, McMillan was selected as Offensive Rookie of the Year by a panel of 50 Associated Press media members. He edged out fellow finalists Tyler Shough (Saints), Jaxson Dart (Giants), Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers), and TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots).

McMillan played 87.18 percent of Carolina’s offensive snaps—the highest among the finalists—and was the only one to start all 17 regular-season games. He accounted for 20.18 percent of the Panthers’ total offensive production, the most among non-quarterback finalists, helping propel Carolina back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Quarterback Bryce Young expressed little doubt about the outcome.

“TMac—he was him,” Young said at season’s end. “He was elite. He’s a special player. He’ll be the offensive rookie of the year.”

While McMillan was considered the favorite for much of the season, he said he made a conscious effort to stay focused rather than dwell on accolades. “Whatever came was going to be a blessing to me,” McMillan said.

That blessing now includes one of the NFL’s highest individual honors, cementing his place atop the league’s 2025 rookie class.