Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan displayed his new physique, but wasn't able to show it off.
With nearly 17 pounds of additional muscle, McMillan told reporters following Wednesday's NFL mandatory minicamp session that the 2025 rookie of the year wanted to add offseason bulk to help him hold up throughout the campaign.
Dedicating the winter months to focusing on the weight room and following a nutritious diet, McMillan said he did everything the training staff advised, except one thing: "No vegetables ... no vegetables."
Greens aside, McMillan remained limited for the third phase of the offseason training activities (OTAs). On Tuesday, the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder participated in individual drills, but sat out the team 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 routes.
He was awarded a rest day Wednesday. The Panthers wrap up the minicamp at the practice fields near Bank of America Stadium on Thursday.
Panthers' Tetairoa McMillan prepping for NFL training camp
The first Panthers' player to capture the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honor since Cam Newton in 2011, McMillan posted 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Scheduled to open the 2026 campaign by facing the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, the Panthers kick off training camp in mid-July.
McMillan, who injured his foot during a recent OTA practice, remained confident that he would be ready to participate fully.
"I hope so," he said. "I'm good right now. So, shoot, I should be able to be there."
The 23-year-old anticipates a smoother ride the second time around. With added bulk and first-hand experience of the NFL's in-season demands, McMillan is expecting bigger things.
"I feel good right now," he said. "Second year in the playbook, I'm not a rookie no more to where new things come flying at me. The game's a lot slower and I got a year under my belt, 18 games."
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