Mack Hollins: From Walk-On to NFL Veteran

Mack Hollins' journey to the NFL is a testament to dedication, hard work, and perseverance. From his early days in Rockville, Maryland, to becoming a Super Bowl champion and a respected NFL veteran, Hollins has consistently defied expectations and inspired those around him. His story is a reminder that with unwavering commitment, anything is possible.

Early Life and High School

Born on September 16, 1993, Mack Hollins attended Robert Frost Middle School and later Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland. At Wootton High School, Hollins showcased his athletic versatility by participating in football, basketball, and lacrosse.

College Career: The University of North Carolina Tar Heels

From Fork Union to Chapel Hill

After graduating high school in 2013, Hollins' path to major college football was unconventional. Not receiving any scholarship offers, he attended Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, where he played alongside Cardale Jones. This experience prepared him for the discipline and challenges ahead. Hollins received several offers to join teams, including a walk-on opportunity on the University of North Carolina (UNC) football team if he could get accepted to the university on his own.

Special Teams Standout and Rising Receiver (2013-2014)

Hollins joined the Tar Heels in 2013. As a freshman, Hollins quickly made an impression, earning the role of special teams captain and appearing in all 13 games. He contributed on various special teams units and as a reserve wide receiver.

In 2014, as a sophomore, Hollins earned honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) accolades. He led the team with 613 receiving yards on 35 catches and a team-best eight receiving touchdowns. He showcased his special teams prowess with seven tackles and recovered an onside kick. Hollins earned ACC Receiver of the Week honors after catching two passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia, with both touchdowns being over 50 yards (57 and 63). This feat made him the first Tar Heel to have two touchdown receptions of 50+ yards since Hakeem Nicks in 2008. He also reeled in a 91-yard touchdown pass in a win over San Diego State University.

Leading the Nation in Yards Per Reception (2015)

As a junior in 2015, Hollins led all NCAA major college players with an impressive average of 24.8 yards per reception. He caught at least one pass in all 13 games and found the end zone in seven different contests, including five of UNC's six wins. Hollins picked up his second ACC Receiver of the Week honor after catching five balls for 165 yards and a 74-yard touchdown in the win over Duke. He became the first Tar Heel to catch three touchdown passes since 2011 when he tallied three scores against Wake Forest.

Legacy at UNC

From 2013 to 2016, Hollins compiled a total of 81 receptions, 1,667 yards, and 20 touchdowns at UNC. His journey from a walk-on to a key player exemplifies his determination and work ethic. Hollins' impact extended beyond statistics; he was a leader on and off the field, embodying the Tar Heel spirit.

NFL Career: A Journey of Resilience

Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles (2017)

Hollins' college success led to him being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round, 118th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly became a valuable part of the team, contributing both as a receiver and on special teams.

Super Bowl LII Champion (2017)

In his rookie season, Hollins played in all 17 games, finishing with 16 receptions for 226 yards and 1 touchdown. He scored his first career NFL touchdown on a 64-yard pass from quarterback Carson Wentz against the Washington Redskins. Hollins played in all three postseason games, including Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots, where the Eagles emerged victorious. You can find one of the game balls from that Super Bowl in the display case located in the Commons. Hollins played a key role in aiding the Philadelphia Eagles in winning Super Bowl LII

Bouncing Around the League (2018-Present)

Hollins has bounced around the league since being drafted in 2017. In 2018, Hollins played a key role in aiding the Philadelphia Eagles in winning Super Bowl LII. Hollins played for the Eagles during the 2017, 2018 and some of the 2019 season; he was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins after being dropped by the Eagles.

Read also: Mack Brown: Education and football

From there he spent the rest of the 2019 season along with the 2020 and 2021 season with the Dolphins. In Week 9 of the 2020 season against the Arizona Cardinals, Hollins hauled in an 11-yard fourth quarter touchdown pass over the head of his defender, helping the Dolphins to their fourth straight win.

After that he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders and would have stayed with them, except he wanted to sign a multi-year deal that the Raiders didn’t want to give him. In his lone season with the Raiders, he played all 17 games with 16 starts, finishing with career-highs in receptions (57) and receiving yards (690).

This season, Hollins has started 16 games for the Buffalo Bills, During that time he has accumulated 31 receptions, 378 yards and averages 12.2 yards per reception along with five touchdowns. His best season was in 2022 when he was with the Raiders, where he had 57 receptions, 690 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Mack Hollins was signed by the New England Patriots as an unrestricted free agent from Buffalo on March 14, 2025.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Across his NFL career, Hollins has demonstrated his versatility and reliability. He has played in numerous games, contributing both as a receiver and on special teams. His career statistics include:

Read also: Hollins Costs and Expenses

Receptions: Over 100
Receiving Yards: Over 1,600
Touchdowns: Over 12

Hollins has consistently stepped up in key moments, making him a valuable asset to any team.

Personality and Off-Field Impact

While Hollins is a good player, his impact spreads outside of football. He has a big personality that he shows across his social media platforms in which he has amassed around 489k followers. Hollins shares funny challenges, informational how-to videos, and silly Bills content. “I love watching the stuff that he posts, it’s always funny but the advice he gives is also really helpful.

Hollins has become well known among fans and teammates for his eccentric personality and habits, which include walking around barefoot as much as possible, eating without utensils, and avoiding house cats, even inspiring several teammates to try his habits. Bills coaches, players deem Mack Hollins a lovable 'Tarzan' for unusual practices, including going barefoot.

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