Mack Hollins shows up without shoes for ‘Sunday Night Football’
Mack Hollins is embracing a snowy scene, completely barefoot.
The wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills seems unfazed by the chilly weather, even as over a foot of snow blankets the area. Known for his entertaining “Mack’s Maintenance Challenge” videos on TikTok, Hollins is one of the more unique figures in the NFL.
From tackling home repairs to facing harsh weather, Hollins does it all with flair.
Channeling a blend of a snow-loving character and a quirky inventor, Hollins made a striking entrance for “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13. Below, we dive into his unusual choice to forgo shoes.
Mack Hollins barefoot
For the evening’s high-profile game against the 49ers, Hollins opted for an all-white outfit, going without socks or shoes. He confidently walked through the snow-cleared parking area, though it was likely quite cold.
Nonetheless, a bit of cold wasn’t going to deter him from making a statement. Looking like a whimsical scientist, Hollins entered Highmark Stadium, fully embracing the winter conditions. This outfit resonates with fans of his TikTok, where he conducted a science experiment daily throughout November.
Despite the snowy terrain and icy surfaces, Hollins displayed that sometimes it’s a matter of mindset over discomfort. A little snow wasn’t going to deter him from continuing his signature style.
Why is Mack Hollins barefoot?
In a society where going without shoes can lead to issues, Hollins marches to the beat of his own drum.
He’s been questioned about this habit over the years, insisting it shouldn’t be deemed unusual.
“It’s been fantastic for me,” Hollins explained in an interview. “Everyone should be barefoot – you don’t see individuals wandering around in mittens. If you don’t utilize your fingers, you lose the dexterity to use them – the same applies to your feet, toes, and ankles. [Going barefoot] has really aided my take-offs and get-offs because I feel I can grip the ground better.”
Hollins attributes his barefoot approach to helping him recover from various injuries throughout his career.
“Shoes are merely a tool,” he remarked during training camp. “You wouldn’t carry a hammer just because you need to nail something from time to time. Why wear shoes only because you might occasionally step on something?”
It’s safe to assume that if shoes weren’t mandatory for NFL players, he’d happily ditch them altogether. For now, he makes do with his “Free the Feet” shirt worn during warm-ups.
Mack Hollins stats
Even with his feet encased in cleats, Hollins hasn’t let that limit his performance. He has been a valuable asset for Buffalo in 2024, scoring three touchdowns so far, just one shy of his career record. The receiver has caught 18 out of 31 passes for a total of 224 yards.