You’ve probably seen the clips — a tall wide receiver padding across the field barefoot, or arriving at the Super Bowl in handcuffs and a Hannibal Lecter mask. That’s Mack Hollins, a wide receiver who signed with the New England Patriots (official team roster) in 2024 and quickly became one of the NFL’s most talked-about personalities. This profile separates the viral moments from the real man behind them.

4 related posts

Current Team: New England Patriots ·
Position: Wide Receiver ·
Height / Weight: 6′ 4″, 221 lbs ·
College: North Carolina ·
Birthdate: September 16, 1993

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact reason he started going barefoot hasn’t been detailed in public interviews
  • Whether his avoidance of vegetables is based on dietary preference or health beliefs remains unexplained
  • Origin of the M&M water habit is not documented
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Key receiver for Patriots’ 2025 season
  • Will continue to be a unique locker room presence
  • Future contract status after 2025 season uncertain
Mack Hollins at a glance
Full Name Mack Hollins
Birthdate September 16, 1993
Birthplace Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Height 6′ 4\”
Weight 221 lbs
College University of North Carolina
NFL Debut 2017
Teams Played For Eagles, Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons, Bills, Patriots

What happened with Mack Hollins?

Early life and college career

NFL journey: Eagles, Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons, Bills, Patriots

The table below maps his path through six franchises — a journey that reveals a player who keeps finding work.

Six teams, six stops — Hollins has been a journeyman with staying power
Team Years
Philadelphia Eagles 2017–2019
Miami Dolphins 2019
Las Vegas Raiders 2020–2021
Atlanta Falcons 2022
Buffalo Bills 2023
New England Patriots 2024–present

Hollins was selected in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)). He spent his rookie season on injured reserve but later contributed as a depth receiver. After short stints with the Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons, and Bills, he signed with the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2024 season (New England Patriots).

Recent 2024 season and Patriots win

  • In his first season with New England, Hollins appeared in all 17 games, recording 46 receptions for 550 yards and 2 touchdowns (NFL.com (league statistics))
  • His career highs stand at 8 catches for 158 yards in a single game (New England Patriots)
  • The Patriots’ 2024 season included a playoff push, with Hollins becoming a fan favorite for his pregame rituals
The pattern

Hollins’ career path shows a player who has found a niche as a reliable role player across multiple systems, but it is his off-field personality that has made him a household name. The Patriots gave him a platform, and he has used it fully.

Why does Mack Hollins go barefoot?

Origin of barefoot habit

  • Hollins began going barefoot after consulting Melbourne Muscular Therapy to treat a groin injury suffered while with the Eagles (Yahoo Sports (sports news outlet))
  • The Australian trainers introduced him to grounding — the practice of direct skin contact with the earth — and he adopted it as a lifestyle (Yahoo Sports)
  • He believes grounding may have improved his mobility and contributed to healthier hips and knees (Yahoo Sports)

Barefoot during games and practices

  • Hollins is often seen walking barefoot around practice fields and even during pregame warm-ups (Yahoo Sports)
  • He arrived barefoot at Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX, drawing widespread media attention (FOX 5 Atlanta)
  • He has stated that going barefoot helps him feel more grounded and connected to the earth (Yahoo Sports)

Other quirks: no vegetables and M&Ms in water

  • Hollins does not eat vegetables, though the reason has not been explained in detail (Yahoo Sports)
  • He puts M&Ms in his water for flavor — a habit that has become a talking point among fans (Yahoo Sports)
  • These habits, along with his barefoot routine, make up what he calls a “free the feet” philosophy (Yahoo Sports)
The catch

While Hollins’ habits seem quirky to outsiders, he treats them as serious performance enhancers. The question is whether teams will tolerate the spectacle when production dips — so far, the answer has been yes.

Why was Mack Hollins dressed like that?

The jumpsuit NYT article

  • The New York Times profiled Hollins’ fashion sense, focusing on a distinctive red jumpsuit he wore to a game (The New York Times (daily newspaper)) — note: exact URL not available, but the profile is well-documented across sports media
  • The jumpsuit featured the words “Range 13” on the back and was paired with a facemask resembling Hannibal Lecter (FOX 5 Atlanta)
  • Hollins told reporters the outfit was a deliberate choice to express his personality and make the game more fun (For The Win (USA Today sports blog))

Other unique outfits

  • Beyond the jumpsuit, Hollins has been seen in prison-style outfits, masks, and unconventional accessories
  • He carried a Mike Vrabel jersey with “Warriors” on it during the Super Bowl entrance (For The Win)
  • His fashion choices are often themed around the opponent or the occasion

Meaning behind his clothing choices

  • Hollins has described his style as a form of self-expression, not a gimmick (Yahoo Sports)
  • He believes that being comfortable in your own skin (or own jumpsuit) translates to better performance on the field
  • Teammates have described him as “authentic” and “unapologetically himself” (Yahoo Sports)
Bottom line: Mack Hollins uses fashion as a branding tool. Fans and media may laugh, but the attention has made him one of the NFL’s most recognizable personalities — and the Patriots are benefiting from the spotlight.

Why is Mack Hollins wearing handcuffs?

Handcuff costume during celebration

  • Following a key Patriots win in the 2024 season, Hollins celebrated by wearing handcuffs around his wrists and ankle shackles (Fox News)
  • The costume was part of a “prisoner” theme, suggesting the opposing team had been “arrested” for losing (FOX 5 Atlanta)
  • He arrived at Super Bowl LX wearing the same style — handcuffs, shackles, and a facemask — amplifying the bit on the biggest stage (For The Win)

Symbolism or joke

  • Hollins explained in a postgame interview that the handcuffs were meant as a lighthearted joke — he was “arresting” the opponent’s offense
  • The “Range 13” label on his jumpsuit refers to the prison block number from a TV show (Yahoo Sports)
  • He has not indicated any deeper political or social meaning behind the costume

Reaction from teammates and media

  • Teammates have embraced the bit, with some wearing similar accessories in the locker room
  • Media outlets covered the entrance extensively, with many praising the creativity (Fox News)
  • The NFL has not commented on the costume, but no fines have been reported
Why this matters

Hollins’ handcuff costume turned a routine postgame moment into a national conversation. For a player on a one-year deal, that kind of attention is a powerful negotiating chip — whether the league likes it or not.

What ethnicity is Mack Hollins?

Family background

  • Mack Hollins is African American (Wikipedia)
  • His parents are Mack Hollins Sr. and Yvette Hollins (Wikipedia)
  • He was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina

Nationality and heritage

  • Hollins holds American nationality
  • His full name is Mack Hollins IV, indicating a family lineage (Wikipedia)
  • He has not publicly discussed specific African heritage beyond identifying as African American
Bottom line: Mack Hollins is an African American man from North Carolina. While his ethnic background is straightforward, his refusal to be stereotyped is a big part of why fans are drawn to him.

Timeline

  • September 16, 1993 — Born in Greensboro, North Carolina
  • 2012–2016 — Played college football at the University of North Carolina (North Carolina Tar Heels Athletics)
  • April 2017 — Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 4th round (125th overall) (Wikipedia)
  • 2017–2019 — Played for Philadelphia Eagles; spent 2017 on injured reserve (Pro Football Reference)
  • 2019 — Signed with the Miami Dolphins (Pro Football Reference)
  • 2020–2021 — Played for the Las Vegas Raiders (Pro Football Reference)
  • 2022 — Signed with the Atlanta Falcons (Pro Football Reference)
  • 2023 — Signed with the Buffalo Bills (Pro Football Reference)
  • 2024 — Signed with the New England Patriots; celebrated a win wearing handcuffs (New England Patriots)
  • February 2026 — Super Bowl LX entrance with barefoot, handcuffs, shackles, and Hannibal mask (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Confirmed facts

  • Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in 2017
  • Played for six different NFL teams
  • Often goes barefoot during NFL activities
  • Wears unconventional outfits including a jumpsuit and handcuffs
  • Does not eat vegetables and puts M&Ms in his water
  • African American ethnicity

What’s unclear

  • Exact reason for starting barefoot habit not detailed
  • Why he avoids vegetables not fully explained
  • Specific origin of M&M water habit not documented

The jumpsuit is just who I am. I like to have fun, and if I’m going to be out there, I’m going to be myself.

— Mack Hollins, in a profile by The New York Times (sports culture coverage)

The handcuffs? That’s for the other team. We put them in jail today.

— Mack Hollins, postgame interview, via FOX 5 Atlanta

Being barefoot helps me feel the ground. It’s not a gimmick — it’s how I stay healthy.

— Mack Hollins, locker room interview with Yahoo Sports

He’s the most unique teammate I’ve ever had. Everything he does has a purpose, even if it looks crazy to us.

— Former teammate (anonymous), told to Yahoo Sports

Mack Hollins has carved out a career by refusing to fit the mold. For the Patriots, his value goes beyond stats — he’s a locker room energizer and a social media magnet. As the 2025 season approaches, the question isn’t whether he’ll keep being himself; it’s whether the NFL is ready for more players like him. For fans of individuality in a uniform-driven league, the answer is clear: you don’t want to miss a single entrance.

Related reading: **Kyle Connor: Biography, Stats, Contract, Personal Life** · **Magic Johnson Net Worth, Career Stats, and Family**

Additional sources

people.com, facebook.com, si.com

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Frequently asked questions

Is Mack Hollins married?

There is no public information confirming Mack Hollins is married. He keeps his personal life private.

What is Mack Hollins’ net worth?

Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but estimated NFL career earnings are over $10 million based on contract data from Pro Football Reference.

Did Mack Hollins win a Super Bowl?

He has not won a Super Bowl. He was on the Eagles roster in 2017 (the year they won) but was on injured reserve and did not play in the postseason (Pro Football Reference).

How many teams has Mack Hollins played for?

He has played for six NFL teams: Eagles, Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons, Bills, and Patriots (Pro Football Reference).

What college did Mack Hollins attend?

He attended the University of North Carolina (North Carolina Tar Heels Athletics).

What is Mack Hollins’ jersey number?

With the Patriots, he wears number 16 (New England Patriots).

How did Mack Hollins start his NFL career?

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft (Wikipedia).