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Patriots’ Mack Hollins’ Shoeless Habit Sparks Viral Explanation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 8:22 AM ET

Typically, we’d say that New England Patriots receiver Mack Hollins wants his followers to walk a mile in his shoes.

One problem: Hollins would likely prefer you leave your Jordans in the closet.

Hollins, a ninth-year receiver from North Carolina, prefers going shoeless when possible. If he’s not on the field or working out, he’s walking around and letting his feet soak up fresh air.

Appearing on Bussin’ With The Boys this week, Hollins explained that he’s committed to avoiding shoes partly because he believes Americans are “so soft now.”

"Like bro, do something hard for once,” Hollins said. “It’s not even hard to wear no shoes. ... Walking into games, no matter what, I have to be barefoot.”

An X/Twitter post sharing Hollins’ comments had over 3.6 million viewers at publication.

NFL Fans React to Mack Hollins Going Barefoot

Social media users were divided, with some mocking Hollins’ belief that wearing shoes constitutes weakness. Others argued that Hollins is entitled to his quirks, even if they themselves don’t fully understand them.

“I always thought it was strange that he didn’t wear shoes but now it makes sense,” read one comment. “I know people that wake up and take cold showers just so the rest of their day is easy.”

"No one has ever said a guy is tough or not a [coward] cause he was barefoot,” another user argued. “Mike Tyson didn’t get tough being barefoot. Soldiers ain’t barefoot.”

Hollins, who turns 32 on Sept. 16, recorded 31 catches, 378 yards, and a career-high touchdowns for the Buffalo Bills last season. He signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Patriots in March; the contract features incentives that can push its total value over $10 million.

“Let's revisit [going shoeless] after a New England winter,” quipped an X user.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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