Waimānalo native Tetairoa McMillan was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
McMillan, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver who played collegiately for the University of Arizona, was the eighth overall selection of the draft.
McMillan was born and raised on O‘ahu before relocating to California with his family as a middle schooler. He blossomed into one of the country's top players at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif.
Despite moving away from the Islands, McMillan continues to represent his home. He started a lifestyle brand, NALO, which pays tribute to his hometown of Waimānalo. It also stands as a personal acronym, Negative Attitudes Lose Opportunities.
At Arizona, McMillan didn't miss a game in three seasons, racking up 3,423 receiving yards over 37 games, becoming the school's all-time receiving yards leader, adding 213 receptions and 26 receiving touchdowns.
In 2021, McMillan was named the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year, and then won the college version of the award in 2024.
The 2025 NFL Draft began on Thursday with the first round. Rounds 2 and 3 make up Day 2 of the draft on Friday, while the draft ends with rounds 4 to 7 on Saturday.
Saint Louis alumnus Jonah Savaiinaea and Mililani's Dillon Gabriel are players with Hawai‘i ties expected to be selected in the draft.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
