This week is pivotal for the NFL as it shifts its focus to the Bay Area with several high-profile events scheduled in San Francisco. On Tuesday, the Pro Bowl Games will take place, setting the stage for the NFL Honors event on Thursday. The excitement culminates on February 12 with Super Bowl LX, featuring a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
As the players gear up for the Pro Bowl Games, Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase took a moment to offer praise for Carolina Panthers rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan. In his impressive debut season, McMillan led the Panthers with 70 receptions, 1,014 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, helping the team secure the NFC South title in 2025. Chase, who has been named to the Pro Bowl every year since entering the league, highlighted McMillan’s skills as a tall receiver.
“He’s a tall receiver, and he knows how to control his body weight for a tall guy,” Chase remarked. “Not a lot of tall guys know how to do it, and he’s one of them.”
Chase’s own achievements are noteworthy; in his five years in the league, he has amassed 520 receptions for 6,837 yards and 54 touchdowns across 78 regular-season games, along with impressive playoff stats that include 45 receptions for 588 yards and three touchdowns in just seven postseason appearances. He earned the title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, contributing to the Bengals’ appearance in Super Bowl LVI.
Reflecting on his own rookie experience, Chase emphasized the importance of consistency. “I think the biggest thing about being rookie of the year is just being consistent throughout the whole year,” he stated. “Just holding yourself to who you are and just playing to your speed and just having fun, that’s the biggest thing. And TMac’s doing it.”
Interestingly, both Chase and McMillan will look to see if they share another connection at the NFL Honors on Thursday, as both of their rookie seasons concluded with narrow Super Bowl losses to the Los Angeles Rams.
As the Panthers continue to build their roster, speculation is already rife about potential offseason moves, including discussions about trades and improving their defensive lineup. The buzz surrounding the team is palpable, and fans are eager to see what the future holds. The combination of established talent like Chase and emerging stars such as McMillan adds an exciting dynamic to the NFL landscape, promising thrilling moments ahead as the season unfolds.