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Panthers Rookie WR Fires Back After 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan’s ‘Backhanded Compliment’

Rico Dowdle seeks redemption against former team Cowboys | wfaa.com

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina
Tensions are rising ahead of Monday Night Football as Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (Rico) claps back at San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, after what many fans believe was a subtle dig disguised as praise.

Speaking to the media ahead of the crucial NFC Wild Card battle, Shanahan was asked about preparing for McMillan. While his words initially sounded complimentary, his tone and phrasing suggested otherwise:

“He’s good... in a rookie kind of way. He’s got skills and upside, but to be a real star? He’s still got a long road. He’s only scratched the surface of what he can be.”

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That remark instantly caught fire on social media, with Panthers fans labeling it a classic Shanahan-style mental jab. And Rico, who usually stays quiet, wasn’t having any of it.

“If they think I’m just potential, they haven’t watched the tape. Let them see for themselves on Monday.”


📊 Rico McMillan: Not the Future, the Right Now

Drafted 8th overall by Carolina, Rico has silenced doubters and exceeded expectations with

  • 54 receptions

  • 784 receiving yards

  • 4 touchdowns

  • And a career-high game last week: 8 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs

  • At just 22 years old, McMillan has quickly become the favorite target for second-year QB Bryce Young, who also posted a career-best 448 yards and 3 touchdowns in the same game.

    This duo isn’t building something for the future. They’re already disrupting defenses week in and week out.


    🔥 Is Shanahan Playing Mind Games?

    Some analysts believe Shanahan’s comments were more than just casual praise

    • A classic attempt to downplay a rising threat

  • Stir up pressure for a rookie before prime time

  • Or bait Panthers into changing their offensive rhythm

  • But if that was the plan, it seems to have backfired.

    “I respect him. But I’m not here to be praised. I’m here to make teams sweat.”


    🏆 Not Just Another Game, A Statement

    This matchup has serious playoff implications. The Panthers are just half a game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South. Meanwhile, the 49ers are 7–4, chasing the Rams and Seahawks in a packed NFC West.

    For McMillan, this is more than a rookie proving himself.

    It’s about sending a message to Kyle Shanahan, to the 49ers, and to the league that Rico is not waiting his turn. He’s taking it.

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