From Jerry Rice to Puka Nacua and more, NFL stars offer Tetairoa McMillan advice for second year

Defenses did become more aware as the season wore on, tilting coverage to McMillan, particularly towards the back half of the season. It opened things up for Jalen Coker who grabbed the starting spot opposite field of McMillan and never let go. In the Panthers’ last eight games (including playoffs), Coker had 35 receptions for 462 yards and four touchdowns.

Embracing that partnership, said Rice, will be the biggest factor in McMillan finding that same comfort he did in his second season.

“I think the formula is showing up and being accountable every day, leading by example, and also it comes down to making everyone better around you because this is not an individual game and you have to have that team support,” explained Rice. “For me, even with John Taylor back in the day, John Taylor probably could have went anywhere and been that No. 1 guy.

“But he decided to be that No. 2 guy, which I never thought of him as being that No. 2, because he took so much pressure off me, and if they doubled me, then he was going to burn them in on one-on-ones and stuff like that.

“So yeah, it’s just being part of that, supporting cast, leading by example, showing up, being accountable every day, and showing let everybody know that hey, look, I deserve to be on this football field.”