Mack Hollins’s preference for going barefoot is likely to catch the eye of anyone seeing him in Foxboro or during Patriots warm-ups. The 31-year-old receiver, who recently signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with New England, has embraced barefoot living. Initially, he removed his shoes during training and pre-game warm-ups early in his NFL career, but several years ago, he extended this practice to his daily life. True to form, Hollins was barefoot during his introductory press conference at Gillette Stadium on Friday.
Why Does Mack Hollins Goes Barefoot?
While Mack Hollins wears cleats during games, he advocates for going barefoot during training and daily activities, citing health and durability benefits. He traced the practice back to his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he encountered trainers from Melbourne Muscular Therapy in Australia. Initially skeptical, he was persuaded by their philosophy of natural movement. ‘It started six or seven years ago…I met some trainers called Melbourne Muscular Therapy in Australia,’ Hollins explained. ‘They showed up and the way you look at me is the way I was looking at them. They were walking around Philly barefoot.’ This experience led him to train barefoot for several years, eventually extending the practice to his everyday life.
Hollins also humorously pointed out the practical advantages: ‘One less thing to pack…Now the bag is under 50 pounds and I’m saving money. It all comes together.’ While going barefoot is easier in warmer climates like Miami and Las Vegas, Hollins even maintained the practice during his time in Buffalo, despite the cold. ‘The cold is – I live in south Florida in the offseason. I think you can only get so used to the cold. Below 35, I’ll put some shoes on,’ he conceded. ‘I’m barefoot, but I’m not a dummy.’ Arriving in New England during a mild period, Hollins may need to reconsider his footwear as temperatures drop. However, he’s shown a willingness to bend his rule for significant games, like last season’s AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, where his bare feet were a notable sight at Arrowhead Stadium.
Hollins clearly embraces his natural instincts. On Friday, he wore a ‘Free the Feet’ sweatshirt, a garment he also sports during pre-game warm-ups.
Make Hollins Relation with Drake Maye
Hollins will wear No. 13 in New England, his college number from North Carolina. Although he hasn’t played with Drake Maye, he’s familiar with the quarterback’s family, having overlapped with Drake’s older brother, Luke, at UNC. ‘Their family is great…He was raised well, but then he’s a fierce competitor,’ Hollins said, expressing his eagerness to play with Drake.
He believes his experience catching passes from Josh Allen in Buffalo will benefit him with Maye. ‘I think one thing I learned playing with Josh is you got to have some good conditioning, because the play is not over,’ he explained, noting Maye’s similar ability to extend plays. ‘Just carry it over and always be available, because you never know what Drake might spin out of, duck under, jump over, and you got to be there.’
Hollins, known for pushing his teammates, aims to bring a positive influence to the Patriots’ young receivers. He anticipates a strong connection with Maye on the field. It remains to be seen if he can persuade his teammates to join him in his barefoot lifestyle.
