5 Shocking Facts About Mack Hollins: The Barefoot Buffalo Bills Player Who Called Shoes 'Foot Prisons'

The mystery of the "barefoot Buffalo Bills player" captivated the NFL world, particularly during the harsh Buffalo winters, but the story is far more complex than a simple eccentric habit. As of December 12, 2025, the player in question is Mack Hollins, a veteran wide receiver whose time with the Bills cemented his reputation as one of the league's most unique personalities, known for his "barefoot mentality" and controversial views on modern culture.

While his stint with the Bills was brief, Hollins's dedication to walking without footwear—even arriving at a snowy, 31-degree game completely barefoot—was rooted in a deep-seated personal philosophy about natural movement and physical durability, which he believes is essential for his performance on the football field.

Mack Hollins: Complete Player Biography and NFL Profile

Mack Hollins is an American professional football wide receiver whose career has been defined by his infectious, eclectic personality and his commitment to special teams and receiving depth. He is currently playing for the New England Patriots.

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• Full Name: Mack Hollins
• Born: September 16, 1993 (Currently 32 years old)
• Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
• College: University of North Carolina (UNC)
• Position: Wide Receiver (WR) / Special Teams Ace
• Height/Weight: 6'4" / 210 lbs
• NFL Draft: 2017 NFL Draft, 4th Round (118th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles
• NFL Career Teams:
  • Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2019)
  • Miami Dolphins (2019–2021)
  • Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
  • Buffalo Bills (2023)
  • New England Patriots (2024–Present)
• Career Highlights: Known for his high-energy play, exceptional special teams coverage, and a career-high season in 2022 with the Raiders (57 receptions, 690 receiving yards).

The Origins of the "Barefoot Mentality" and Why He Hates "Foot Prisons"

Hollins’s decision to abandon footwear is not a simple superstition or a fleeting trend; it is a long-term commitment to a training and lifestyle philosophy he calls the "barefoot mentality." The foundation of this unique practice was laid nearly a decade ago following a significant injury.

It Started with a Groin Injury and a Near-Retirement

The wide receiver first began training barefoot while recovering from a serious groin injury. This period of rehabilitation led him to explore alternative training methods focused on natural movement. His commitment to the barefoot lifestyle solidified in 2019, a time when he was seriously contemplating retirement from the NFL. It was during this contemplation that he connected with a group whose philosophy resonated deeply with him.

The Influence of MMT: Getting Back to Original Movement

Mack Hollins attributes his philosophy to a group he refers to as "these guys in Australia called MMT." While the exact acronym MMT is sometimes interpreted as Minimalist Movement Training or Movement Mechanics Training, the core principle is consistent: getting back to the body's "original ways of movement." The belief is that modern, cushioned shoes act as "foot prisons," restricting the natural function of the feet and ankles, which can lead to a cascade of physical issues up the kinetic chain. By going barefoot, Hollins aims to:

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• Strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet.
• Improve balance, stability, and proprioception (awareness of the body in space).
• Enhance overall durability and reduce the risk of future injuries.

From Buffalo Snow to Patriots Locker Room: The Barefoot Legacy

Mack Hollins's most viral moments—and the reason he is still widely known as the "barefoot Buffalo Bills player"—occurred during his single season with the club in 2023. His eccentric, shoeless arrivals became a weekly spectacle, particularly in the notoriously cold climate of Western New York.

The Iconic Snowy Entrance

The image that cemented his legend was his arrival at a snowy, 31-degree game in Buffalo with no shoes on. He often paired this shoeless look with elaborate, attention-grabbing costumes, further showcasing his unique personality. He arrived dressed as a "mad scientist" and, on another occasion, as the iconic cartoon character Fred Flintstone, both times completely barefoot. This commitment to his philosophy, regardless of the weather, made him a training camp sensation and a fan favorite.

A Controversial Take on Modern Culture

Hollins is not shy about connecting his barefoot lifestyle to a broader critique of modern society. He has publicly stated that his philosophy is a response to what he sees as the "p***ification of America"—a sentiment where he believes people have become "soft" and overly reliant on comfort and protection. For Hollins, embracing discomfort, like walking barefoot on cold or rough surfaces, is a way to build mental and physical toughness, which he sees as crucial for a professional athlete.

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The Transition to the New England Patriots

Despite his memorable season with the Bills, Mack Hollins departed the team in the 2024 offseason. He signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots, bringing his unique "barefoot mentality" and eccentric locker room presence to a new organization. His departure was even noted by some analysts as a "top free agency loss" for the Bills, underscoring the value he brought beyond just his statistics. While he is no longer a Buffalo Bills player, his legacy as the team's most famously barefoot individual remains a fresh and unforgettable chapter in NFL history.