Mac McWilliams, a promising cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has made a name for himself with a story of family, resilience, and love.
The two people who shaped him, his parents, Danielle Butler and Michael “Mike” L. Rawls.
Their influence, along with the support of his siblings and raised family, has been the foundation of his success.
Mac was born on November 29, 2001, in Pensacola, Florida, to Danielle Butler and Mike Rawls.
His Father, Mike, Was A Talented Athlete In His Own Right
Selected 24th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1997 MLB Draft, Mike was a standout baseball player known for his powerful fastball.
He attended Bethune-Cookman College, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back conference titles, showcasing the same competitive spirit that Mac would later inherit.
Mike was a dedicated father who poured his heart into raising his sons, Mac and his brother, Fish McWilliams.
Mac often recalls the late-night training sessions with his dad, hitting baseballs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. or running races against Fish to build their strength and character.
He would wake Mac and Fish in the middle of the night for long drives in his truck, sharing conversations about life, ambition, and the importance of striving for greatness.
Those moments left a lasting mark on Mac, shaping his work ethic and determination.
Tragically, Mike passed away on January 9, 2017, leaving a void in Mac’s life.
The loss was devastating, but Mac carries his father’s memory with him.
In a heartfelt 2020 social media post on what would have been Mike’s birthday, Mac wrote,
” can’t even lie, every time I think of you, I breakdown and get alone and pray 💔 I miss you pops… You stuck with me 4L 💞 I love you pops and the whole family rest easy my guy 💔💔… This for you 🤞🏾 HAPPY BIRTHDAY OG 🎂.”
Via Facebook
These words reveal the deep bond Mac shared with his father and how Mike’s love and guidance continue to drive him.
Mac’s mother, Danielle Butler, became his pillar of strength after his father’s death.
Raised in Pensacola, Danielle attended Pine Forest High School and later B.T. Washington High School before studying at Virginia College in Pensacola, where she still lives today.
After Mike’s passing, Danielle stepped up to guide Mac and his siblings through life’s challenges.
Her unwavering presence has been a cornerstone for Mac as he pursued his football dreams.
Danielle’s support is visible both in person and online. She frequently attends Mac’s games, cheering him on from the stands with pride.
On social media, she shares posts celebrating her son’s achievements, from his high school days at Pine Forest to his college career and now his time with the Eagles.
Her love and encouragement have given Mac the confidence to push forward, even in the face of adversity.
Mac wasn’t the only one in the family to inherit athletic talent.
His older brother, Fish McWilliams, is a defensive lineman who served as a team captain for the UAB Blazers, where Mac also played college football.
The brothers’ competitive spirit was fostered by their father’s training and their mother’s support.
Mac also has a cousin, Rocel, who played as a defensive lineman at the University of South Alabama, further highlighting the family’s athletic legacy.
This tight-knit family has always rallied around each other, celebrating successes and overcoming challenges together.
Mac’s NFL Journey Started At Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Where He Developed As A Cornerback
His talent earned him a commitment to play college football for the UAB Blazers, where he played alongside his brother, Fish.
After a successful stint at UAB, Mac transferred to the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights, where he continued to excel.
Following his final college season, Mac declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and earned an invitation to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a prestigious showcase for top draft prospects.
His hard work paid off when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him with the 145th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now, as a rookie cornerback, Mac is proving himself on the field, bringing the same tenacity and heart that his parents instilled in him.
Mac McWilliams’ journey is shaped by talent, perseverance, and strong family support.
His father taught him the value of hard work, while his mother provided love and encouragement, shaping his competitive spirit and dedication to the game.
As Mac takes the field for the Eagles, he carries his parents’ legacy with him.
Supported by his family, every tackle and interception is a tribute to their love. With their encouragement, Mac McWilliams is ready to soar in Philadelphia.
