Patriots WR Mack Hollins's Pre-Super Bowl Appearance Causes a Stir

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New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins turned heads with his unusual pre-Super Bowl arrival, showing up in a full prison inmate costume complete with face mask, shackles, and handcuffs. Hollins has built a reputation for rejecting convention, especially when it comes to clothing and footwear, often appearing at games and events barefoot or in eccentric outfits. His latest stunt sparked a mix of confusion, criticism, and hype online, with some questioning his focus while others embraced his unapologetic individuality.

Why it matters

Mack Hollins's unconventional behavior and appearance have become a signature part of his personal brand in the NFL. While some view his antics as a distraction, others see them as an expression of his free-spirited personality and commitment to living life on his own terms. This latest pre-Super Bowl moment reignites the ongoing debate around whether Hollins's eccentricities are harmless fun or a potential detriment to his team.

The details

In the hours before the Super Bowl, Mack Hollins arrived at the stadium in a full prison inmate costume, complete with a face mask, shackles, and handcuffs. This look was in keeping with Hollins's history of making unorthodox fashion choices, including frequently appearing barefoot at games and events. Hollins has explained that he goes shoeless for reasons of flexibility and dexterity, and has pushed back on critics who find the habit strange, arguing that feet are cleaner than shoes. His unconventional approach has earned him a reputation across the league, with photographers capturing him in various states of undress over the years.

• Hollins has been going barefoot for "four or five years."
• In 2024, he was seen walking barefoot along the tarmac in an eccentric white outfit with a fluffy hat.
• In 2025, a video showed him shirtless and shoeless in the snow before heading inside a building.