Tetairoa McMillan is one of the most exciting young wide receivers in the NFL, making headlines after being picked eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In this article, you’ll learn about his personal life, early football journey, professional career, contract and salary details, net worth, and more.
Tetairoa McMillan’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tetairoa McMillan |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Education | Servite High School, University of Arizona |
| Nationality | American (Polynesian heritage) |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 212 lbs (96 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (NFL Draft) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Salary | $4,519,501 (rookie year) |
| Career Earnings | $27,930,390 (contract value, 2025-2028) |
| Wife/Husband | Not married |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Tetairoa McMillan was born in Waimānalo, Hawaii, and moved to Southern California at the age of one. He attended Servite High School in Anaheim, where he quickly became a standout athlete, excelling in both football and volleyball. As a senior, he was a finalist for the Gatorade Football Player of the Year, recording 88 receptions for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Over his high school career, he totaled 179 catches, 2,640 yards, and 34 touchdowns, earning selection to the 2022 All-American Bowl and the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year award. Originally committed to Oregon, he switched to the University of Arizona, joining several high school teammates and becoming the highest-rated recruit in school history.
Professional Career
At Arizona, McMillan made an immediate impact as a freshman, leading all true freshmen nationally with 702 yards on 39 receptions and eight touchdowns. He continued to dominate in his sophomore and junior years, finishing his college career with 213 receptions, 3,423 yards, and 26 touchdowns, setting a school record for receiving yards.
He was named the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year and earned All-American honors. Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan was widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects and was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers. Known for his size, athleticism, and catch radius, he is expected to become a key target in Carolina’s offense.
Tetairoa McMillan’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Tetairoa McMillan’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million.
Contract
McMillan signed a four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers worth approximately $27.9 million, fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year team option. The deal includes a signing bonus of about $16.9 million, base salary, and various performance incentives. This rookie contract is standard for a top-10 NFL draft pick and ensures financial security for McMillan as he begins his professional career.
Salary
In his rookie season, McMillan will earn a base salary of $4,519,501. NFL salaries are paid per game, and for McMillan, this means about $251,083 per game before taxes. His salary will increase each year according to the terms of his contract, with the highest base salary coming in the final year of the deal.
Career Earnings
| Year | Base Salary | Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $840,000 | $5,078,253 |
| 2026 | $1,005,000 | $6,347,816 |
| 2027 | $1,120,000 | $7,617,379 |
| 2028 | $1,235,000 | $8,886,942 |
Endorsements
Tetairoa McMillan made headlines as the first NFL rookie in 2025 to sign with Brand Jordan, joining the likes of Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts. This endorsement deal is a major milestone, reflecting his marketability and potential both on and off the field.
The partnership was facilitated by Klutch Sports Group and adds significant value to his overall earnings, making him one of the most recognized young athletes in the league.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Arizona Wildcats | 12 | 39 | 702 | 8 | 18.0 |
| 2023 | Arizona Wildcats | 13 | 90 | 1,402 | 10 | 15.6 |
| 2024 | Arizona Wildcats | 13 | 84 | 1,319 | 8 | 15.7 |
| Total | 38 | 213 | 3,423 | 26 | 16.1 |
FAQs
1. What records did Tetairoa McMillan set during his college career at Arizona?
McMillan set the University of Arizona record for most career receiving yards with 3,423. He also set a school record for most receiving yards by a true freshman with 702 and had a single-game record of 304 receiving yards. His consistent performance made him one of the most decorated receivers in school history.
2. What awards and honors did McMillan receive before entering the NFL?
He earned several major honors, including the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year in 2024. He was a consensus All-American, a Biletnikoff Award finalist, and received first-team All-Big 12 and All-American honors from multiple organizations, highlighting his elite college career.
3. How did Tetairoa McMillan perform in high school before joining Arizona?
At Servite High School in California, McMillan was a standout athlete, winning the California State Player of the Year award. He finished his high school career with 179 receptions, 2,640 yards, and 34 touchdowns, and was a finalist for the Gatorade Football Player of the Year.
4. What makes McMillan a unique prospect for the NFL?
McMillan is known for his rare combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills. Standing at 6’5″, he excels in contested catches and explosive plays, leading college football in contested catches and explosive receptions since 2023. His ability to make plays after the catch sets him apart from other receivers.
5. Which NFL team drafted Tetairoa McMillan and in which round was he selected?
The Carolina Panthers selected McMillan eighth overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His high draft position reflects his exceptional college production and the high expectations for his professional career.
