Jalen McMillan Discusses His Return
December 16th, 2025
Receiver Jalen McMillan absorbs a hit from Atlanta safety Xavier Watts on McMillan’s first catch of the season, a 19-yard grab that set up the Bucs’ first touchdown Thursday.
It was, unfortunately, an unforgettable scene on an otherwise forgettable warm Pittsburgh summer night.
Second-year Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan went up for a pass in a worthless preseason game and was undercut by a piece of camp meat for the Steelers, Daryl Porter, trying to make a splash play.
Classic reason why these trash preseason games are a stain upon a learned society.
McMillan landed on his head as if someone dropped him off the U.S. Steel Tower. After a scary few moments, McMillan walked off the field with Bucs trainers.
Fast forward three hours and Joe saw McMillan walking to the Bucs locker room wearing a neck brace. Uh, oh.
Turned out McMillan had three broken vertebrae in his neck. He was finally cleared to play last week and it didn’t take long for him to have an impact against Atlanta.
McMillan took a Baker Mayfield pass over the middle for a 19-yard gain down to the Atlanta-1 to set up Sean Tucker’s one-yard plunge.
The fact McMillan went right over the middle and didn’t flinch for his first catch since the injury, that surprised Joe. Anyone would understand if he was skittish going for a catch in traffic.
Joe spoke with McMillan after the game Thursday and asked him about that catch. In short, McMillan told Joe that he was given a second chance on a football life.
McMillan looks at it as he’s playing in the NFL on borrowed time so why worry about anything? All gas, no brakes.
“I felt good, I didn’t like how the game went,” McMillan said. “I’d rather come out with a W.”
McMillan then clarified how he felt awful about the loss but felt good, physically, playing football again.
“I was almost paralyzed,” McMillan said. “When I had the chance to come back, I understood you don’t get many opportunities like this. So I was excited to be back.”
He said the last thing he was thinking about was getting hit again, especially over the middle. When he’s on the field, he has one mindset.
“Do my job, go out there and have fun,” McMillan said. If that means running into a mass of defenders, well, that’s part of the job.
Emeka Egbuka told Joe that seeing McMillan back on the field under the lights was motivating.
“A lot of people don’t get second chances,” Egbuka said. “My brother was almost paralyzed. I think just him knowing that he has a true sense of gratitude for the game, he is able to play with his hair on fire.
“He’s not really worried about anything because he has a second chance. I am super happy for him. That’s my brother for life, so I am glad he was able to get out there on the field.
“It was our first official game together. Many more to come.”
With the addition of both McMillan and Mike Evans, that Bucs offense on Thursday night sure looked a lot better.
December 16th, 2025 at 7:15 am
If the defensive team players had this attitude we wouldn’t be giving up big yardage on every play
December 16th, 2025 at 7:23 am
This guy is who I would want on my team if I was a Coach, GM or owner. Three broken vertebrae. Yet, he made his way back — same season — and played with tremendous enthusiasm. Jalen McMillan, I have so much respect for you.
And same with Mike Evans. What a hell of a performance. Chris Godwin also. I truly admire those three men.
These men are why we watch football and suffer so greatly when others don’t give half of what they give.
Had they won, it’s all we would have been talking about: McMillan, Evans and Godwin.
Can their intensity spark a fire under the Defense’s ass?
December 16th, 2025 at 7:26 am
Nobody can question McMaster heart and desire to ball. Too bad Todd can’t get out of his defensive players’ heads with his idiotic scheme, for just 5 minutes, so they can look across the field to play ball again. Todd breaks all of his good toys and coddles the sycophant misfit toys. We wonder why Dean is having a career year; it’s because he is liberated knowing Todd will get out of his head next year
December 16th, 2025 at 7:26 am
McM*
December 16th, 2025 at 7:28 am
Love this dude, what a fighter! Now if we can just fortify the interior of the oline. We miss Mauch as much as any player we lost this year. Grizz is not adjusting like he should. Why not more boots and rollouts? Defenders are blitzing and stunting on that right side with much success. Any chance Mauch could come back if we somehow make the playoffs Joe?
December 16th, 2025 at 7:28 am
“Can their intensity spark a fire under the Defense’s ass? I know dang well it can spark a fire under the Offense’s ass.
December 16th, 2025 at 7:44 am
Thankfully the Panthers don’t seem to play dirty like the aints and the dirty birds. Though that hit on Shough was dumb, I don’t think it was meant to be dirty.
December 16th, 2025 at 8:00 am
If we are to have a turnaround, it’ll be because our WR corps going out there and dominating. We will have to win through our offense to have any shot at the post season and beyond.
December 16th, 2025 at 8:14 am
Jmac is an inspiration.
December 16th, 2025 at 8:16 am
He definitely fits the Licht “That Man” ethos.
December 16th, 2025 at 8:53 am
This is what making things so frustrating with whatever is going on with Bucs at this time. With guys like McMillan, Evans and Bucky back things should optimistic. I am sure the Bucs and Bucs fans are super happy that McMillan is back and not parlayed from that play in Pittsburgh However, it’s just sad that he came back to what’s going on at One Bucs Place but, we all know life can be a b…h at times
December 16th, 2025 at 8:53 am
Wow, a lot in this inspiring post that says so much, Joe!
“Jalen with three broken vertebrae and almost paralyzed.” Jalen saying, “He would rather come out with the win.” Egbuka saying, “Jalen is his brother for life and many more games to come.” 🎶 “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” 🎶
I took all of it as being volumes of teamwork, courageousness, and love for one another. No drama. I don’t really believe Bowles has lost the locker room. But there is something else going on. Could be why JPP was brought in too. Boost up the locker room. Todd won’t call out any players, but if there are bad seeds in the locker room, it won’t be long before we all know it.