The sports world is celebrating Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a proud Hawaiian from Waimānalo, who has been named the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year! In a heartfelt past interview with PAC-12, McMillan reflected on his heritage, sharing,
“Being Polynesian is special. I’m just glad to be Hawaiian.”
McMillan’s stellar 2024 season speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. He racked up an impressive 84 receptions, 1,319 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. These achievements earned him First-Team All-Big-12 and Consensus All-American honors, and his remarkable 3,423 career receiving yards now stand as a record in Arizona Wildcats history. As he looks toward the NFL, McMillan adds this prestigious award to his growing list of accolades. The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, established in 2014, celebrates excellence on and off the field by athletes of Polynesian ancestry. Past winners include NFL stars Marcus Mariota, Tua Tagovailoa, Talanoa Hufanga, Laiatu Latu, and Penei Sewell. Accepting the honor, McMillan shared a moving message:
“God has blessed me with many gifts, talents, and opportunities, and I hope to use these to inspire others. I hope that I can be a reflection of the Polynesian culture, not only through my play but also through my character.”
– Tetairoa McMillan
