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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Roots in West Seattle: Early Life and Challenges
Dontae McMillan, now part of the Seattle Seahawks NFL practice squad, grew up in West Seattle, not far from the Lumen Field stadium of Seattle's NFL team. Despite the physical proximity, the Seahawks seemed a distant dream to McMillan, who, along with his twin brother Jalanie, faced significant challenges from birth. Both were born in 2001 with health complications, reportedly linked to their mother's alleged drug use, and their father was incarcerated shortly before their birth, remaining in prison until the boys were 13.
Guidance from Family: A Grandmother’s Influence
Raised by their grandmother, Vera McMillan-Jimerson, Dontae and Jalanie found stability when she adopted them at age 8. "That’s my first love, man. Words can’t explain it," Dontae said, describing the influence she had on shaping him as a person. Vera provided the support and guidance the boys lacked, becoming Dontae’s role model and greatest supporter.
Perseverance Through Football and Academics
Both twins started their football journey at age 6 with the Southwest Athletic Center Cougars. Battling learning disabilities made progressing through local schools difficult. However, at Chief Sealth International High School, with time spent training at the Southwest Teen Life Center, Dontae excelled. In his senior year, he rushed for 2,019 yards and scored 44 touchdowns, attracting attention from major universities, including a scholarship offer from Oregon. Ultimately, he chose to play college football at Weber State, finding a new sense of family there with teammates like Rashid Shaheed.
Collegiate Career: Weber State and Eastern Michigan
At Weber State, NFL receiver Rashid Shaheed became a mentor and "big brother" to Dontae. McMillan later transferred to Eastern Michigan, where he had a standout season in 2023, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his final college year. Despite achievements on the field, McMillan remained undrafted in the NFL Draft—reflective of the obstacles he has consistently faced and overcome.
From Undrafted Running Back to NFL Practice Squad
The Baltimore Ravens signed McMillan as a rookie free agent after he went undrafted, only to waive him after training camp. While awaiting another NFL opportunity, McMillan trained with Myles Gaskin, former University of Washington and NFL running back, keeping fit and hopeful at Ford Sports Performance in Tukwila and Starfire Athletic Complex. "Just training. That’s all I was doing every, single day," McMillan shared, underlining the perseverance that defines his journey.
Call from the Hometown Team: Seahawks Opportunity
In October, the Seahawks, facing injuries to their running back corps, reached out to McMillan. Rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve, Zach Charbonnet was recovering from knee surgery, and George Holani was dealing with sore ribs. Seizing the opportunity, Dontae McMillan joined his hometown team's practice squad, bringing his career full circle. He expressed his pride: "It’s an honor to be here representing my home, my home team, and my community, my last name. It’s a huge thing, because I never knew I was going to be here, you know?"
Looking Ahead: Inspiration and Motivation
McMillan’s motivations are deeply personal. His twin brother, Jalanie, remains in Seattle, providing for his own family. Their grandmother, who raised them, passed away from liver cancer in 2022, but her legacy continues to inspire Dontae. "She knew that I was destined to be here in the NFL. She knew that I was going to be successful. And so, I’m going to make her proud, every, single day." As the Seahawks prepare for a high-stakes game against the San Francisco 49ers, Dontae McMillan stands ready, representing perseverance, dedication, and the hopes of his family and West Seattle roots.
Source: heraldnet.com.
