Mack Hollins Bio
Mack Hollins (born September 16, 1993) is an American professional football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). A 2017 fourth-round draft pick from the University of North Carolina, Hollins has built a reputation as a reliable receiver and special teams contributor across six NFL franchises. He earned a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII and continues to be recognized for his unique personality and charitable work with the Special Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Mack Hollins was born on September 16, 1993, in Rockville, Maryland. He attended Robert Frost Middle School in his hometown before enrolling at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Despite his athletic potential, Hollins did not receive any scholarship offers upon graduating high school. This setback led him to attend Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, where he played alongside future NFL quarterback Cardale Jones and continued developing his skills.
After his postgrad year at Fork Union, Hollins received several collegiate opportunities. He chose to accept a walk-on opportunity at the University of North Carolina, contingent upon being accepted by the school. He joined the UNC football program in 2012, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him to the NFL.
Path to Professional Football
During his freshman season at North Carolina in 2013, Hollins made an immediate impact on special teams. He was named special teams captain and appeared in all 13 games, finishing the regular season with nine tackles and recovering a fumble against Duke. His ability to contribute on multiple units caught the attention of coaches early in his career.
As a sophomore in 2014, Hollins earned honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors after catching 35 passes for a team-high 613 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He earned ACC Receiver of the Week honors following a performance against Virginia where he caught two passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, both covering over 50 yards. He also recorded a 91-yard touchdown reception from Marquise Williams, the longest play in Kenan Stadium history at the time. Hollins continued his strong play as a junior in 2015, leading all NCAA major college players with an average of 24.8 yards per reception. His standout performances earned him Second-team All-ACC recognition and multiple ACC Receiver of the Week honors. He graduated from UNC with a degree in exercise and sport science in 2016.
Mack Hollins Career
Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2019)
Mack Hollins was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round (118th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. During Week 2 of his rookie season against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hollins recorded his first three career receptions for 32 yards in the 27–20 loss. In Week 7 against the Washington Redskins, he caught his first career touchdown reception, a 64-yard pass from Carson Wentz. Hollins played a significant role on special teams throughout his tenure with the Eagles.
The 2018 season brought Hollins his most significant professional achievement to that point. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, with Hollins contributing primarily on special teams to secure the championship. However, his season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on September 6, 2018, due to a groin injury. During the 2019 offseason, Hollins displayed his character by giving his jersey number 10 to veteran DeSean Jackson, who had worn the number during his previous stint in Philadelphia from 2008 to 2013. Hollins switched to number 16. He was waived by the Eagles on December 3, 2019.
Miami Dolphins (2019–2021)
On December 4, 2019, Hollins was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. He quickly became a reliable target for the Dolphins offense. During Week 9 of the 2020 season against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught an 11-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass that helped the Dolphins secure their fourth straight win. In Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hollins was ejected after engaging in a fight with Bengals players. He rebounded with a strong performance in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders, catching a 34-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick that set up the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
Hollins re-signed with the Dolphins on March 23, 2021. Before the 2021 season, he was named one of five team captains, voted by his teammates, demonstrating his leadership and respect within the organization. That season, he recorded 14 receptions for 223 yards and four touchdowns.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
On March 17, 2022, Hollins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He had a breakout performance during Week 3 of that season, catching eight receptions for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown during a narrow 24–22 road loss to the Tennessee Titans. For the 2022 season, Hollins finished with 57 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as a dependable receiving option.
Atlanta Falcons (2023)
On March 21, 2023, Hollins signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He appeared in 13 games with three starts, recording 18 catches for 251 yards during the season.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Hollins signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Brought in primarily as a blocking receiver while also contributing on special teams, Hollins exceeded expectations by catching five touchdowns on the season. His five touchdowns both led the team and represented a new career-high for a single season.
New England Patriots (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Hollins signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots. He quickly became a significant part of the Patriots offense, starting 13 of 15 games and recording 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns. However, his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 27 due to an abdomen injury. Hollins was activated on January 24, 2026, ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. He recorded two receptions for 51 yards in the 10–7 victory, advancing the Patriots to Super Bowl LX and marking Hollins’ second Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl LX, Hollins caught four of eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mack Hollins stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 221 pounds, giving him the size advantage to win contested catches and create mismatches against smaller defensive backs. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated reliable hands, yards-after-catch ability, and a willingness to contribute on special teams. His experience across multiple offenses has made him a versatile addition to any roster, capable of filling various roles depending on game situation and offensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hollins achieved his childhood dream by winning Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, contributing on special teams during the championship run. His second Super Bowl appearance came in 2026 with the Patriots, where he made significant contributions in the postseason including a touchdown in the Super Bowl itself. His career-high 158 receiving yards with the Raiders in 2022 highlighted his ability to be a primary receiving target when called upon.
Mack Hollins Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2017 through 2026, Mack Hollins has established himself as a reliable professional with consistent production across multiple franchises. He entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick and developed into a player capable of contributing both as a receiver and on special teams.
NFL Career Highlights
Hollins’ career statistics include 208 receptions for 2,619 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns through the 2025 regular season. His best statistical season came in 2022 with the Raiders, where he recorded 57 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns. His 2024 season with the Bills saw him catch a career-high five touchdowns despite being used primarily in a blocking role. His two Super Bowl appearances represent significant career milestones, with his contributions in Super Bowl LX including a receiving touchdown.
Career Progression
Since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2017, Hollins has played for six different NFL teams, demonstrating adaptability and durability. His ability to make rosters and contribute in various offensive systems reflects his reliability and football intelligence. He has shown continued production regardless of team or quarterback situation, making him a valuable veteran presence in any locker room.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Philadelphia Eagles | 5 | 70 | 1 |
| 2018 | Philadelphia Eagles | 8 | 96 | 0 |
| 2019 | Philadelphia Eagles / Miami Dolphins | 5 | 61 | 1 |
| 2020 | Miami Dolphins | 4 | 70 | 1 |
| 2021 | Miami Dolphins | 14 | 223 | 4 |
| 2022 | Las Vegas Raiders | 57 | 690 | 4 |
| 2023 | Atlanta Falcons | 18 | 251 | 0 |
| 2024 | Buffalo Bills | 29 | 363 | 5 |
| 2025 | New England Patriots | 46 | 550 | 2 |
Mack Hollins Family
Personal Life
Mack Hollins has become well-known among fans and teammates for his eccentric personality and distinctive habits. He walks around barefoot as much as possible, eats without using utensils, and avoids house cats. These unique behaviors earned him the nickname “Tarzan” from teammates and fans. Hollins rarely drinks water, publicly stating his belief that “water’s a scam,” and instead primarily drinks watermelon juice. His diet consists mainly of raw meat, raw milk, and fruit. He has claimed to have not eaten any vegetables since 2022. His unconventional lifestyle has inspired several teammates to try adopting some of his habits.
Hollins maintains an active presence on TikTok, where he shares content focused on life hacks and home improvement ideas. He has developed a significant following on social media due to his entertaining and unconventional approach to content creation.
Philanthropy
Beyond his football career, Mack Hollins is deeply committed to charitable work. He is a longtime volunteer for the Special Olympics and serves as a Global Ambassador for the organization. His dedication to the Special Olympics demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact in communities beyond the football field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Mack Hollins’ career as he joined the New England Patriots in March. He quickly integrated into the Patriots offense, appearing in 15 games with 13 starts. Hollins recorded 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns, showing his ability to be a consistent receiving threat despite the team’s challenges during the season. His two touchdowns and reliable hands made him a trusted target in the Patriots passing game throughout the year.
Hollins’ season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 27 due to an abdomen injury. However, his resilience and dedication were rewarded when he was activated on January 24, 2026, ahead of the AFC Championship Game. His return proved significant, as he recorded two receptions for 51 yards in the Patriots’ 10–7 victory over the Denver Broncos, helping the team advance to Super Bowl LX and giving Hollins his second Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl LX, Hollins delivered a standout performance with four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage in football.