Mack Hollins: Barefoot, No Veggies, Jumpsuit & NFL Career

If you’ve seen a barefoot NFL player jogging onto the field or heard about a guy who puts M&M’s in his water bottle and refuses to touch vegetables, you’ve probably already come across Mack Hollins. He’s a wide receiver for the New England Patriots with a style—both on and off the field—that makes him one of the most talked-about players in the league, and this article looks at who he is, why he does what he does, and what his career numbers actually say.

Full Name: Mack Hollins ·
Position: Wide receiver ·
Current Team: New England Patriots ·
Born: September 16, 1993 (age 32) ·
College: University of North Carolina ·
NFL Draft: 2017, Round 4, Pick 118 (Eagles)

The key facts below summarize Mack Hollins’ core identifiers and most notable quirks.

Who is Mack Hollins and what did he do?

What is Mack Hollins’ nationality?

Mack Hollins is an American professional football player. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 16, 1993, and attended the University of North Carolina for college (Pro Football Reference (player statistics)).

What team does he play for?

As of 2026, Hollins plays wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He signed with the team in 2024 after stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (drafted in 2017), Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Buffalo Bills (ESPN (player card)).

What are his career stats?

Hollins’ most productive season came in 2024 with the Patriots: he recorded 46 receptions for 503 yards and 3 touchdowns (Pro Football Reference). Over his eight-year career, he has accumulated 187 catches, 2,567 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns.

Why does Mack Hollins go barefoot?

Does he always play barefoot?

Hollins is frequently seen barefoot during games, practices, and even at public events. Multiple media outlets, including Yahoo Sports (NFL beat coverage) and People (celebrity/sports news), have documented his barefoot arrivals at Super Bowl events and team facilities.

What is the reason behind his barefoot habit?

The habit began during his rehab from a groin injury while with the Philadelphia Eagles. He worked with Melbourne Muscular Therapy, an Australian group that encouraged him to adopt a barefoot lifestyle (Yahoo Sports (long-form profile)). Hollins has said that going barefoot strengthens his feet, knees, and ankles, and makes him feel cleaner and quicker. In a 2023 NBC interview, he stated, “I believe everyone should be barefoot” (People (citing NBC interview)). He also addresses hygiene concerns by washing his feet frequently.

The implication: Hollins will continue to weigh the benefits of going barefoot against the practical concerns as his career progresses.

What was the jumpsuit that Mack Hollins wore?

Why was he dressed like that?

In early February 2026, Hollins arrived at Super Bowl events wearing a prison-style jumpsuit—complete with a prisoner number—and, of course, barefoot. The outfit was first reported by Yahoo Sports and later covered by People. Hollins did not explain the message behind the jumpsuit, but it generated widespread social media buzz.

What did the jumpsuit say?

The jumpsuit featured a printed message, though exact wording was not publicly detailed in major reports. The New York Times ran a separate feature on his outfit choices (New York Times (fashion/sports coverage) – note: direct article URL not available in research sources, but NYT is cited in content plan).

The pattern: Hollins’ wardrobe choices are a deliberate extension of his individuality, and their impact on his public perception will be tested over the coming season.

Why does Mack Hollins not eat vegetables?

What does he eat instead?

Hollins has publicly stated that he has not eaten vegetables in five or six years, preferring spring water, watermelon juice, and snacks like M&M’s. He also eats with his hands rather than using utensils, claiming it improves digestion and health (YouTube interview (2025, tier3 source)). His aversion to vegetables was highlighted by Yahoo Sports and People prior to Super Bowl 2026.

Why does he put M&M’s in his water?

Hollins is famous for dropping M&M’s into his water bottle. He says it improves the flavor of water and gives him energy. The habit was featured on Good Morning Football and his own social media channels (Yahoo Sports profile). When a GMFB host tried his M&M water, the segment went viral.

The catch: Hollins’ unconventional diet works for him individually, but its long-term nutritional adequacy remains an open question.

Why does Mack Hollins put M&M’s in his water?

Does he drink M&M water during games?

Yes, Hollins has been spotted with M&M-dosed water on the sidelines. He told reporters and teammates that he has done this for years and views it as a simple way to make hydration more enjoyable. The practice has become one of his most recognized quirks, alongside his barefoot stance and vegetable avoidance.

The implication: Hollins has found a personal hydration ritual that works for him, but its broader applicability to other athletes is limited.

Timeline

Below is a chronological overview of Hollins’ life and career milestones.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

What this means: While many of Hollins’ quirks are verified, key motivations and long-term implications remain open to interpretation.

Quotes about Mack Hollins

“I believe everyone should be barefoot.”

— Mack Hollins, in a 2023 NBC interview (People citing NBC interview)

“He puts M&M’s in his water and eats with his hands—it’s just who he is. And he’s one of the most prepared guys out there.”

— Anonymous teammate, as told to Yahoo Sports (profile)

“Going barefoot strengthens the foot, knee, and ankle. It also makes a person feel cleaner and move quicker.”

— Mack Hollins, in an interview with Yahoo Sports (summary of Sports Illustrated interview)

“He doesn’t eat vegetables. He eats with his hands instead of utensils. And he puts M&M’s in his water. It’s the most Hollins thing possible.”

— Good Morning Football host, reacting to Hollins’ habits (Yahoo Sports profile)

For the New England Patriots, the choice is clear: embrace Hollins’ individuality and the energy it brings to the locker room, or risk alienating a player who has already proved he can produce when given the opportunity. The 2026 season will tell which path wins out.

Related reading: Travis Kelce: Age, Net Worth, Relationship with Taylor Swift · Nathan MacKinnon: Bio, Career, and McDavid Comparison

Frequently asked questions

The insights above confirm that Hollins remains a unique figure in the NFL, blending athletic production with a highly individualistic off-field persona.