New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has found a new level of acceptance for his barefoot lifestyle during his second season with the team, with local restaurants now reportedly allowing him to dine without shoes. Hollins, who has maintained the habit of walking barefoot, shared that this acceptance has grown since his initial arrival.
"It's really great because now they're kind of letting me slide being barefoot in restaurants and stuff because they know who I am," Hollins told Fox News Digital. "At first, it was like, some homeless guy coming in here, but now it's like the mechanic homeless guy so it's all right. So yeah, it's been great."
Hollins' unconventional habits extend beyond his footwear. He also opts to eat with his hands, foregoing utensils like forks and spoons. He believes this method allows him to better gauge the temperature of his food. "Every team I've been on, you ask them who's the weirdest guy they're going to say Mack," Hollins admitted.
Despite his eccentricities, Hollins has become a notable figure for the Patriots. He started 13 regular-season games and two postseason games in his previous season, scoring the team's sole touchdown in Super Bowl LX. His supporters might be more inclined to accept his unique behaviors, such as arriving at games in frigid temperatures without a shirt or shoes, or wearing an Animal Muppet mask to a playoff game.
Hollins views shoes as a tool, not an extension of the body, and prefers to be without them when not actively playing. This philosophical approach to footwear is part of what he describes as "endearing weird," distinguishing it from "aloof" or "disruptive" oddities.