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Waimanalo’s Tetairoa McMillan Drafted Eighth Overall by Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan is officially headed to the Carolina Panthers.

The Waimanalo native was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Draft, marking one of the highest draft positions ever for a player of Hawaiian descent.

While McMillan was in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the big night, his family and friends gathered at The Three4 Bar & Grill in Hawaii to celebrate the moment together.

The event was not only a personal milestone, but a proud moment for the local community. McMillan honored his roots by presenting a handcrafted seven-strand lei—made by his aunt and grandmother—to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, showcasing the strength and pride of Polynesian culture on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

McMillan heads to Carolina with an impressive college resume, including over 1,300 receiving yards this past season and 26 career touchdowns.

Several players with Hawaii ties remain on the draft board, including Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.