Jalen McMillan Voluntarily Requests Pay Cut After Season-Ending Neck Injury — And Buccaneers President’s Response Melts Hearts Across Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay, Florida – October 31, 2025

In a gesture that has left the entire NFL community in admiration, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has reportedly requested a voluntary salary reduction following his devastating neck injury that ended his 2025 season. The 23-year-old sophomore receiver suffered multiple broken neck bones during a preseason game in Pittsburgh, an injury that has sidelined him indefinitely and raised long-term health concerns.
According to team insiders, McMillan privately approached Buccaneers management earlier this week, expressing that he did not want to “take money I didn’t earn on the field.” Despite being under a fully guaranteed rookie contract, McMillan’s humility and professionalism stunned both teammates and front-office executives.

“I love this organization. They believed in me when I was just a kid chasing a dream,” McMillan reportedly told the team. “If I can’t contribute this year, then I don’t feel right taking what I haven’t earned. All I want is to heal up and come back stronger — for this team and this city.”

McMillan’s decision sparked emotional reactions across Buccaneers Nation, with fans flooding social media with messages of support and gratitude.
But perhaps the most heartfelt moment came from Buccaneers Co-Chairman Joel Glazer, who personally addressed the young receiver’s selfless act in an official team statement:

“We will always stand with McMillan— in triumph, in hardship, and in recovery. The Buccaneers will continue to support him in every possible way, because you’re not just part of our roster — McMillan part of our family.”

Glazer’s words resonated deeply across the NFL, with players from rival teams publicly praising Tampa Bay’s leadership and culture.
McMillan remains under medical supervision and continues his rehabilitation with the team’s medical staff. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that the receiver is “in good spirits” and progressing well, though he reiterated that McMillan will not return to the field this season.
For a franchise already battling through injuries to key playmakers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, McMillan’s absence is another blow. But his selfless action has reminded everyone that the Buccaneers’ greatest strength has never just been talent — it’s the unity and heart within their locker room.
As one fan wrote on X, summing up the emotion of the moment: “You can’t teach that kind of integrity. Jalen McMillan just proved why the Buccaneers are more than a team — they’re a family.”