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Panthers rookie lands major endorsement deal
© Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Jumpman just found its newest high-flier—and he’s wearing Panthers blue. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has officially signed with Jordan Brand, becoming the only NFL rookie in the 2025 draft class to do so.

The announcement, confirmed by Klutch Sports agents Joe D’Amelio and Zeke Sandhu, marks a rare distinction for McMillan, who was selected No. 8 overall by Carolina just weeks ago. From his breakout moments at Arizona to draft night style, the signs were already there—he walked the red carpet in Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Lows.

“To me, the Jumpman represents more than athletic excellence—it embodies a mindset that I am carrying with me to Carolina,” McMillan said, per Pat Benson of Kicks on SI. “Jordan Brand stands for breaking barriers and never settling for anything less than greatness.”

McMillan now joins a select group of NFL stars backed by Jordan, including Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Deebo Samuel, and Jalen Hurts. But what separates McMillan is how early his brand presence is rising—before he’s even taken a snap in the league.

And he’s not just hype. In his final season at Arizona, McMillan racked up 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns. His 2024 campaign was punctuated by a jaw-dropping 304-yard, four-touchdown showcase against New Mexico, helping to earn him unanimous All-American honors and solidifying his status as one of college football’s most electrifying weapons.

His connection to Jordan Brand runs deeper than logos—Michael Jordan himself is a North Carolina native. Now, McMillan will carry that legacy forward just miles from where it all began.

The Panthers, looking to build around a surging Bryce Young, expect McMillan to play a pivotal role in revamping their aerial attack. As the chemistry between Young and McMillan grows this offseason, so does the buzz in Charlotte.

Jordan Brand put it simply: “Together, we’ll demonstrate how the pursuit of greatness transcends any single arena while inspiring future generations to achieve their own definition of excellence.”

Carolina, get ready. The McMillan era is here—and it’s stamped with the Jumpman.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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