Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has expressed his early aspirations for the Olympics, particularly in volleyball, prior to the recent announcement that flag football will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. While McMillan has made strides in his football career, he was once a standout volleyball player at Servite High School in Anaheim, California, where he left a notable mark by tying the school record for the most kills in a match.
Despite being recruited by prestigious schools like UCLA, USC, and Stanford for both football and volleyball, McMillan ultimately chose to concentrate solely on football at the University of Arizona. His high school volleyball coach, Matt Marrujo, suggested that McMillan could have pursued a spot on the U.S. Olympic volleyball team had he focused exclusively on that sport.
Standing at 6-foot-4, McMillan brought a unique intensity to volleyball, attributing his hard-hitting style to his football background. He reflected on his aggressive play, recalling instances where his powerful swings impacted opponents physically. However, he acknowledges that his time spent playing volleyball has enhanced his skills on the football field, particularly in areas like timing and agility.
Now, with his volleyball aspirations set aside, McMillan sees an opportunity in flag football, especially as the competition is set to take place close to his roots. He envisions the potential of representing Team USA, yet emphasizes his commitment to establishing his football career first. When discussing potential teammates, McMillan selected his starting quarterback Bryce Young to lead the flag football team, showing the camaraderie and excitement surrounding this emerging sport.
Interestingly, McMillan noted the success of athletes who have transitioned between sports at the Olympic level, such as Chase Budinger, who switched from the NBA to beach volleyball for the Paris Games. However, McMillan is clear that his future lies in football rather than switching to an outdoor sport.
This narrative not only highlights McMillan’s diverse athletic background but also exemplifies the growing recognition of flag football as a legitimate arena for competition at the Olympic level, bearing the potential for more athletes to explore dual-sport careers. As the landscape of sports evolves, McMillan’s journey could inspire many young athletes to pursue their passions across various disciplines.