Two Carolina Panthers players were hit with fines after a heated Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons, with four total infractions handed out.
On Saturday, the NFL announced that receiver Tetairoa McMillan received a 14,491 dollar fine for unsportsmanlike conduct and a violent gesture late in the second quarter, after he made a gun gesture with his hands. Cornerback Corey Thornton was fined 4,685 dollars for unnecessary roughness on a defenseless player earlier in the same quarter.
Back in March 2025, the league expanded its list of unsportsmanlike actions to cover several gestures. These additions joined other banned celebrations such as throat slashes, simulated gun actions, the “nose wipe,” and sexually suggestive motions.
On the Falcons’ side, special teamer Jamal Agnew was fined 14,056 dollars for illegal helmet use on a play in the first quarter. Linebacker Arnold Ebiketie was penalized 15,589 dollars for a hip drop tackle in the third quarter. Neither violation drew an in game penalty.
Carolina, now 6 and 5, pulled out a 30 to 27 overtime victory.
Tetairoa McMillan Has Sights Set on Rookie of the Year
McMillan continues to build a standout first season. Taken eighth overall out of Arizona, he has placed himself squarely in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. For much of the year, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart appeared to be the favorite, but a concussion and a drop in production have shifted momentum toward McMillan, who is currently sixth in the league in receiving yards.
Tampa Bay receiver Emeka Egbuka is also putting together a strong rookie season, and both he and McMillan rank among the NFL’s top ten pass catchers in yardage.
Bryce Young Showing Growth in Year Three
Despite expectations, the Panthers have managed to remain competitive and are only half a game behind the NFC South lead.
Former first overall pick Bryce Young has shown real improvement in his third season, highlighted by a dominant performance against Atlanta. He played through early pain in his right ankle, an issue that sent him to the locker room in the first quarter and cast doubt on his ability to continue.
Young pushed through and went on to set a franchise single game passing record. He threw for 448 yards, completing 31 of 45 attempts with three touchdowns and no interceptions. This came just one week after a difficult outing in which he managed only 124 yards in a loss to the New Orleans Saints.
“I don’t take these games for granted,” Young said after the win. “You know, the Lord blessed me to be here, to have this opportunity. And any time that I am able to go, I always want to do that. So in the moment, you’re just working through pain.”
Young put Carolina ahead late with a 12 yard touchdown pass to McMillan with 1 minute and 8 seconds left, but Atlanta kicker Zane Gonzalez forced overtime with a 45 yard field goal in the final seconds.
In overtime, Young hit Tommy Tremble for a 54 yard completion, setting up Ryan Fitzgerald’s game winning field goal and securing a season sweep of their division rival.