He was in his element. It was a moment McWilliams worked towards since his earliest days of playing football.
Among the designated 46 active players available to play in the opener, McWilliams’ initial contributions were limited to a single snap on special teams. While playing time was limited, however, McWilliams, as you’ll soon learn, contributed in a different way.
His on-field role is sure to grow in the coming weeks, and when his number is called, McWilliams is wired to be prepared to answer the bell.
As part of a season-long Inside The Birds “Rookie Diary” series, I’ll be checking in with McWilliams every week, learning more about the first-year cornerback and chronicling his rookie campaign.
On Thursday, we chatted for our second installment.
Andrew: We spoke about the experience of the Linc. What were your takeaways? 
Mac:: Man, it was crazy. But I loved everything about it, though. Philly got some great fans. They came out, supported the team and it was big for us. We came home with the dub, so that’s the main thing about it. I’d say, the fans, they were really into it. And I loved everything about it.
Andrew: What is your pregame routine?
Mac:: Well, when I first get there, I just go on the field and sit there for, like, 10-15 minutes just to get my mind right. Listen to my music and things like that. Then once I get back in the locker room, it’s go time. I get my little stretches in, then once I get out on the field, I get me a little dynamic warmup and things like that just to get ready for the game.
Andrew: How many hours before the game do you get out there?
Mac:: I’d say about two or three.
Andrew: Have you ever experienced anything like the lightning delay Thursday night?
Mac:: Yes, I had plenty when I was at my old school, UCF. We were in Florida, so we’re right there by the water. So, there were a lot of lightning delays and things like that. But, just making sure that I’m staying healthy and still keeping my body right. That’s the main part.
Andrew: What’s the longest delay you experienced?
Mac:: I’d say, when we were at UCF and we played … I think it was BYU, we had a two-hour and 30 minute [delay].
Andrew: For this one, what did you do to stay loose?
Mac:: Once you get that moment, it’s really unexpected, so once you get into that moment – once you picture in your head – you’re going to be sitting here for a long time, it just makes you do something. Get your stretches in, get Theragun. Things like that.
Andrew: Any family come out to the opener?
Mac:: Yes, I had a lot of family. My mom and dad, my granny and my grandpa, both sides. They all came out. It was a lot of fun.
Andrew: Where was Fish?
Mac:: He didn’t come out. He had work, but he’ll definitely be here at the next home game.
Andrew: What were your impressions after having that weekend to watch football?
Mac:: It was great, man. Now that I’m here in the NFL and watching other teams play, I’d say just keeping the right mindset and going out there and being the best that you can be. It’s a lot of great cats out here, and just me recognizing their game and applying it to mine. That’s the biggest thing.
Andrew: Did you watch the Super Bowl?
Mac:: Actually, I watched a little bit of it, but I really couldn’t lock in because once I seen it go 21-0, I turned it off. I knew it was over after that.
Andrew: What were your immediate takeaways?
Mac:: Defense wins championships.
Andrew: Could you have seen yourself playing in that defense?
Mac:: Always. Once you see guys doing the right thing, you always wonder, ‘Could that be me?’ or ‘I wanna be that one day.’ So, just watching them guys go out there and fight until the whistle blows, I loved everything about it.”
Andrew: Have you had a chance to explore Philadelphia yet?
Mac:: No, I have not. I’m really not the outside type of guy. I like being at home. But sooner or later, I’ll go outside.
Andrew: Even restaurants, cheesesteaks and things like that?
Mac:: Nah. I’m a DoorDash guy.
Andrew: I understand you’re also a video game fan. What’s your game of choice and do you compete with teammates?
Mac:: Well, me and Drew [Mukuba], we played a little bit. But I’m really an NCAA, Call of Duty-type guy. Especially when it first dropped, and I was in the game, I was on NCAA constantly. So, I would just say NCAA and Call of Duty. Call of Duty is really my favorite, though.
Andrew: Did you give yourself a boost to 99?
Mac:: Uh, facts. I did do that. That was the first thing I did once I got on there. Put all my ratings up, everything up, and I was 99.
Andrew: Now, I saw that if football wasn’t your profession, it would be lacrosse. What drew you to it?
Mac:: Just the physicality. It’s got a little something to do with football. So, if football wasn’t my go-to, lacrosse would definitely be it. It’s not as big as a football, you know, but just being physical and playing with your teammates. That’s the main thing about it. I love everything about my teammates, I’d do anything for ‘em. So, just having that mindset … I’m a team guy.
Andrew: You’re interested in the general manager aspect of sports. What is it about that role that you’re drawn to?
Mac:: I would just say making the calls. Making the right calls. GM’s, you know, it takes a lot for them to boil down and just soak in and just really think about what goes on in the process and things like that. So, I like to think a little deeper, so that’s why I said I would be a general manager.
Andrew: So, I assume when you’re playing NCAA, you take decision-making seriously.
Mac:: Very seriously. Yes, definitely.
Andrew: What, in your mind, makes a good GM?
Mac:: Accountability. And love. If you’re guys don’t love you, then it’s gonna be a sad sight.
Andrew: Defensive backs coach Christian Parker has made quite an impression on a lot of younger defensive backs. How has he helped your game?
Mac:: He’s helped it a lot. Just me coming in, being the rookie that I am, getting with him early before meetings or early before practice and things like that, it really helped my game to a tee. I’m still learning a lot of things, but just getting with him and learning the basics, that’s the main thing about it. But once I get the basics, everything, it’s just football then. And once I get everything slowed down, I feel like I can play at my fastest.
Andrew: What are those one-on-one sessions like?
Mac:: It’s great, man. We take a lot of time, we take a lot of deep thinking. Mainly, it be about football, because that’s what we’re here for. But he talks to me about life, too. Just having that guy, having that coach on your side, knowing that he’s here for you on and off the field, that’s the most important thing.
Andrew: What’s the dynamic like when you’re on the sideline? Are you communicating with Quinyon and Adoree’ about what you’re seeing out there?
Mac:: Always. Anything that I can do to help the guys, I’m gonna go out there and do it. And it’s vice-versa for them.
Andrew: What stands out to you about the Kansas City offense?
Mac:: Pat Mahomes. That’s all.
Andrew: How will you be spending the flight?
Mac:: Watch film.
Andrew: What’s on your pregame playlist?
Mac:: A lot of Youngboy and a lot of Kodak.
Andrew: Any particular song?
Mac: I’d probably go “No Flocking” or “Skrilla.”
Andrew: Last one. What’s one thing you’re looking to work on this week?
Mac: I’d just say my focus. I’m very locked in, but I feel like I be getting out of placement sometimes. My mind likes to wander a little bit, so just having that same focus and staying the course.
— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com
