A Carolina Panthers wide receiver revealed what he did this offseason to help his body.
The Carolina Panthers feel like they have something to prove this season, coming off an NFC South title in 2025. But the Panthers did so with a 8-9 record and via a tiebreaker over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A lot of national media members are doubting the Panthers and their ability to not only win the division again but a playoff game this time.
If the Panthers want to prove the doubters wrong, they are going to need some key players to step up. That's mainly on the offensive side of the ball as quarterback Bryce Young needs to play better not only for the team but for his future with the organization.
But there's one advantage Young has and that is in the form of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Coming off a huge rookie season where he won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, McMillan is set to take a step forward in year two. He spent this offseason making one adjustment as he added 20 pounds because he wanted to be at his college weight.
Now, he feels like he's stronger and faster like he did at Arizona.
"In college when I was heavier, I was stronger, faster," McMillan told reporters Wednesday.
By adding 20 pounds, McMillan put on muscle. He looks stronger, which should help him as a receiver against physical defensive backs. That could be huge for the Panthers' offense, as he could get even better.
As for McMillan and his Panthers teammates, he believes that there is a new feeling among the team this offseason. He described it as them being motivated due to their playoff loss against the Rams.
"You can feel it," he said. "Obviously, leaving that locker room, everybody was down. I feel like everybody's got that fire in them right now and is just ready to go."
For the Panthers, they will open up the 2026 season on September 13th at home against the Chicago Bears. It will be a matchup of NFC division winners from 2025 and a huge test for Dave Canales' team early on in the season.
