Tetairoa McMillan Signs Big Deal With Jordan Brand As a Rookie In 2025

Carolina Panthers rookie Wide Receiver Tetairoa McMillan has signed with Jordan Brand, becoming one of the few NFL players to do so during their rookie year. While not the first to land such a deal, McMillan joins an extremely short list of football players to earn Jordan’s trust this early in their careers. It is still a big deal. Jordan does not hand out these deals often, especially not to rookies.

Jordan Brand Usually Waits; This Time, They Didn’t

Jordan Brand is known for being picky when it comes to football. In basketball, they love to sign rookies before they play a single game. In the NFL, though, they usually hold back. Most guys have to earn their stripes first. Big names like Davante Adams, Jalen Ramsey, and Deebo Samuel did not get their Jordan deals until they had already proven themselves in the league.

Kyle Pitts was one of the few exceptions. He signed with Jordan Brand during his rookie season after being drafted by the Falcons in 2021. Chase Claypool also joined the brand, but his deal came after some strong performances in his rookie year in Pittsburgh. That makes McMillan’s deal rare. Not unheard of, but close.

McMillan was drafted eighth overall by the Panthers in 2025. He built a strong reputation at Arizona for his precise route running, big-play ability, and calm attitude under pressure. He is the kind of receiver who can hurt a defense in different ways. Jordan Brand saw something they liked. It is not just about numbers or highlight plays. They seem to believe he has the mindset and presence that fits the Jumpman image.

What It Means For McMillan and the Brand

Getting signed by Jordan this early is not just a personal win for McMillan. It raises his profile across the entire league. Now, he is not just a rookie trying to find his place. He is a face connected to one of the most iconic brands in sports. That brings attention, and it brings pressure, too. When you wear the Jumpman, people expect something more.

It is also a signal that Jordan Brand is slowly shifting its approach to football. While they still move carefully, they are open to betting on young talent when the fit feels right. Kyle Pitts helped start that change. McMillan is keeping it going. If he delivers on the field, more rookies could find doors opening earlier in their careers.

For now, McMillan steps into a new chapter with a spotlight already following him. He will be expected to play like a veteran even though he is just getting started. That is the kind of expectation that can make or break a rookie. But Jordan Brand must believe he can handle it. Maybe they are right.

A Rare Deal For a Rookie With Big Potential

McMillan is now part of a very small group of rookies to ever sign with Jordan Brand. Pitts did it, and Claypool came close. That is about it. This deal is not just about gear or endorsements. It is about belief. Jordan Brand believes McMillan is going to be something special. He has not played a single down in the NFL yet, but he is already being treated like a star. Now comes the hard part. Living up to it.