Tetairoa McMillan Update: Arizona WR’s ‘I don’t watch football’ controversy debunked

Tetairoa McMillan has found himself in a spot of bother after saying he doesn't watch film, but it turned out to be a two-year-old statement.

Tetairoa McMillan Update: Arizona WR’s ‘I don’t watch football’ controversy debunked

Tetairoa McMillan (Image via IMAGO)

Tetairoa McMillan, ‘T-Mac,’ found himself at the center of controversy just days before the NFL draft in Green Bay. A rumor that the Arizona Wildcats’ wide receiver doesn’t like to watch tape/film spread like wildfire on social media in the last few days.

Many fans were shocked to hear a line that is considered taboo for a young wideout aiming to play in the NFL. Watching, studying, and understanding tape is essential for any football player to concoct plans to counter opponents and develop their skill level. Coaches from an early age pound this habit into the players.

YouTube video

McMillan’s an exception. A video showed the young man from Hawaii eating at a McDonald’s while answering questions about his football life. When discussing whether he studies film, McMillan shook his head and claimed that he did not.

Fans on social media were ticked off by this revelation. They perceived the video was shot not too long ago, considering it popped up just before the draft. However, that reality is different.

Debunking the confusion behind Tetairoa McMillan’s ‘I don’t watch tape’ statement

McMillan moved to California very early in his life. After finishing high school, he joined the University of Arizona football team as a receiver and recorded 18 yards per catch in eight starts and eight touchdowns at just 19 years old.

Tetairoa McMillan update: Arizona WR's 'I don't watch football' controversy debunked
Tetairoa McMillan (Image via IMAGO)

The video in question was shot right after his freshman year in Arizona by a YouTube docuseries called OFF SZN in 2021. Now the short clip that blew up on the internet hinted that it was filmed recently, creating confusion.

NFL analyst Warren Sharp was among the first to debunk it on X.

I want to clear this up: the video was filmed TWO YEARS AGO after his freshman year when he was 19. He talked on the full behind-the-scenes video (link below, published Apr 2023) about how his goal is a 1,000-yard season.

Warren Sharp wrote

In the next two seasons combined, Tetairoa McMillan recorded 174 receptions, 3700+ yards, and 18 touchdowns, cementing himself among the best college football receivers. However, once fans become skeptical about an athlete’s work ethic, it’s hard to convince them to keep an open mind because a lot can change in two years.

Tetairoa McMillan’s falling draft stock

It’s unclear whether the video did any kind of long-lasting damage or not. McMillan is still a capable 6-foot-5, 219-pound receiver but agile like a cat.

[Tetairoa McMillan] is a versatile receiver who can line up outside, in the slot, and even attached to the hip of the tight end all so he can maximize mismatches against nickel corners and linebackers. He is a big-bodied pass catcher with an outstanding catch radius and hands.

Pro Football Sports Network designated McMillan as someone with a ‘my ball’ attitude.

His NFL Combine scores are impressive as well, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds. Next Gen Stats gave McMillan an 85 combine grade (4th best among the wide receiver group).

If the video doesn’t hit McMillan’s stocks hard, then he should be a late day 1 or early day 2 pick. Despite his attributes and abilities, McMillan is behind the likes of Travis Hunter (Colorado), Matthew Golden (Texas), and Luther Burden III (Missouri).

I wouldn’t take [McMillan] in the top 10 [but that’s just me]. If I’m drafting a wide receiver at four overall, he’s got to be Ja’Marr Chase, Malik Nabers,or Julio Jones. And I don’t know if this guy’s that.

Pro Football Focus draft specialist Dalton Wasserman said

Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft projected the Los Angeles Chargers taking Tetairoa McMillan at 22. The Chargers are a good shout because Justin Herbert needs someone big and strong like McMillan with a great engine. Head coach Jim Harbaugh re-signed Mike Williams and is reportedly in the process of bringing back Pro Bowler Keenan Allen.

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