Tetairoa McMillan, or T-Mac, isn’t a typical football wide receiver! Born on April 5, 2003, in Waimānalo, Hawaii, McMillan’s story marks the fiery combination of discipline and loyalty in the realm of college football. At the age of 12, he moved from Hawaii to Southern California, later attending Servite High School in Anaheim. This is where his game started to speak for itself. And, he began to earn honors like Mr. Football California in 2021 and Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year. It became clear he wasn’t just a high school standout; he was on the path to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick.
However, none of that would have happened without the key players in his corner—his parents. Not just as his supporters from day one, they have made what McMillan is today in every domain, whether on or off fields. So, who exactly are Tetairoa McMillan’s parents, and what role have they played in his success?
Who are Tetairoa McMillan’s parents?
Indeed, at the heart of McMillan’s story are his parents, Shawny McMillan and Wyatt Sr. McMillan. Even though Tetairoa keeps his family life low-key, it is nonetheless clear that Shawny and Wyatt have been elemental to his journey. Shawny, in particular, is his #1 cheerleader, as she declares it herself.
Always vocal about her son’s success, she regularly posts about his milestones on X., She calls herself #ProudMama. When McMillan scored his first college touchdown at Arizona, Shawny took to social media to celebrate, writing, “Proud Mama Moment!!! So Blessed to Call Him MINE!!!!”
Raising Tetairoa on her own as a single mother wasn’t easy. She posted back in 2021, “Being a single mom hasn’t been easy but the struggles and sacrifices truly all been worth it… And I would do it all over again.”
While Shawny’s presence is evident through her social media posts, Wyatt Sr. McMillan, Tetairoa’s father, prefers to remain under the radar. They are parents to four children besides Tetaiora, i.e., Wyatt McMillan, Alexis McMillan, and Kiana McMillan (married, mother of 3 boys). Not much is known about Wyatt Sr, but his influence is just as important. When big moments arise, he has been there for his son. For instance, when Tetairoa was named Mr. Football California, in 2021, he was cheering from the stands.
How have McMillan’s parents played a role in their son’s NFL success?
Shawny and Wyatt Sr. together supported Tetairoa’s desire to stay close with high school teammates Noah Fifita, Jacob Manu, and Keyan Burnett at Arizona. Shawny is also a part of the football parent community.
One of her closest friends in that circle is Winnona Fifita, the mother of Noah Fifita, Tetairoa’s best friend and high school teammate. They have become second families to each other, always supporting each other. When Tetairoa switched his commitment from Oregon to Arizona to stay close to his high school friends, Winnona remarked, “They really only return each other’s calls.”
Even at other moments, Shawny has been there for her son. Back in Dec 2021, when Tetairoa was selected for the All-American Bowl, she posted, “My All-American.” She also celebrated his first college touchdown as a freshman at Arizona on September 4, 2022.
She has never failed to thank God for her son, writing, “You’re my greatest blessing given from God.” Seeing her son thrive, Shawny acknowledges, “Appreciating the many gifts and blessings God gave him.” Evidently proud of him, she further mentions on her X handle, “To say I am proud is an understatement!” Raising him has been her biggest joy. As Tetairoa prepares for the NFL draft, it’s clear that the foundation his parents have built makes him a strong candidate.
The post Who Are Tetairoa McMillan’s Parents? Meet NFL OT’s Mother Shawny and Father Wyatt Sr. McMillan appeared first on EssentiallySports.