Panthers star Tetairoa McMillan wins Offensive Rookie of the Year after slur controversy

Carolina Panthers prima receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named the NFL's 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year conscionable hours aft apologizing for utilizing a radical slur during an e-sports lawsuit Wednesday night. 

McMillan won the grant implicit New York Giants backmost Jaxson Dart, New England Patriots moving backmost TreVeyon Henderson, New Orleans Saints backmost Tyler Shough and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Emeka Egbuka.

McMillan, nicknamed "Tet," recovered himself successful immoderate contention Wednesday night, though, arsenic helium was heard shouting the N-word doubly aft an interception portion playing successful the Streamer Bowl VII, a foundation esports tourney anterior to the Super Bowl.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates aft scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the archetypal fractional Dec. 21, 2025, successful Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

McMillan posted an apology connected his Instagram communicative Thursday.

"Yesterday portion connected unrecorded stream, I utilized a word I should not have," helium wrote successful a statement. "There’s nary excuse for what I said — I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and volition bash better."

The Panthers besides directed ESPN toward McMillan’s connection erstwhile asked for comment.

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McMillan was up for Offensive Rookie of the Year astatine the NFL Honors Thursday nighttime successful San Francisco aft a fantastic commencement to his NFL career.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan makes a drawback for a touchdown during the 2nd fractional against the Dallas Cowboys astatine Bank of America Stadium Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Imagn Images)

McMillan, taken eighth wide by the Panthers successful past year’s NFL Draft, enactment unneurotic a rookie run with 70 receptions (122 targets) for 1,014 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The Panthers needed a playmaker to instrumentality that adjacent measurement successful 2025, and McMillan was a ample portion of the team’s occurrence that yet led to them winning the NFC South.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates a touchdown during the 2nd 4th against the Dallas Cowboys astatine Bank of America Stadium Oct. 12, 2025. (Cory Knowlton/Imagn Images)

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In his archetypal playoff game, a thriller against the Los Angeles Rams, McMillan caught 5 passes for 81 yards, utilizing his transportation with backmost Bryce Young to get the shot downfield.

The Rams won the game, 34-31.

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