FOXBOROUGH – When the Patriots inked Mack Hollins in March, it barely registered on the Richter scale — especially compared to the seismic arrivals of “The Big Seven.” Those proven, big-money starters — Milton Williams (DT), Stefon Diggs (WR), Carlton Davis (CB), Harold Landry (DE), Robert Spillane (MLB), Morgan Moses (RT), and Garrett Bradbury (C) — instantly reshaped the New England roster.
But eight months and seven games into the 2025 NFL season, Hollins — signed as a backup for two years and $8.4 million — has more than earned his place in that high-profile club.
He’s not just filling space on the sideline, either. Hollins’ enthusiasm is obvious — whether he’s chirping on the practice field, signaling a first down, or hyping up teammates between series. Nine catches in six games might seem modest, but his presence is anything but.
“Any opportunity to play football, I enjoy,” Hollins said. “But also, to do it with a bunch of guys I actually like being around — and a coach I respect — makes it extra sweet.”
The ultra-physical 6-foot-4 and 220-pounder has seen the transformation up close.
“The best part? I’ve watched this team grow from what we were during OTAs to what we’ve become now. It’s been really cool to experience.”
Hollins’ NFL journey hasn’t been glamorous. Since being drafted by Philadelphia in 2017, he’s mostly played the supporting role — except for good years in 2022 (Raiders) and 2024 (Bills). His career numbers? 171 catches in 118 games, with 17 touchdowns and 107 first downs. Not flashy, but plenty meaningful.
Same story in Foxborough: of his nine catches this season, two have gone for touchdowns and six have moved the chains. It’s not about volume — it’s about impact.
“That’s my game,” Hollins said. “Work hard, do my job, and when I get my chance, make a play. We’ve got talent in our receiver room. I know my role — help this team win. Stats? I’m not worried about them. Not at all.”
The Patriots are his fifth team in five years.
As for how he ended up here, there is a common thread. Hollins best season was in 2022 with the Raiders (57 rec., 690 yards, 4 TDs) when Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was head coach.
While Diggs headlines the receiver group, Hollins’ veteran presence has rubbed off on rising playmakers like Kayshon Boutte and DeMario “Pop” Douglas. Both have lobbied for more targets in the past, but Hollins — whose locker is next to Douglas — sets a different example.
“[Mack] doesn’t come in here complaining about touches. He accepts his role,” Douglas said. “He shows us how to handle it, especially guys like me — not playing as much as I’d like, but doing what’s best for the team.”
Hollins says the “spirited, scuffle-filled” joint practice with Washington in August was a turning point.
“Everyone looks good in OTAs, but you don’t know what you have until you face someone else,” he said. “That day, we competed. We won a lot of battles. I remember thinking, ‘We might be pretty good.’”
Now, at 4-2 and atop the AFC East, the Patriots are the talk of the NFL—and quarterback Drake Maye is a big reason why. But it all starts with head coach Mike Vrabel, the architect of this new-look team.
“Coach Vrabel’s all about identity — no matter where we are, home game, weight room, practice, whatever, we’re locked in,” Hollins said. “He always says, ‘Be sharp in everything you do.’ That’s not just talk. He’s consistent, win or lose.”
Exhibit A: On Wednesday, Vrabel called Hollins out on a minor alignment issue.
“He came up to me after the play and said, ‘Were you on or off the ball?’ I said, ‘Off.’ He goes, ‘You sure? Even if it’s close, don’t make it close.’ He was right. Details matter. I appreciate that coaching.”
Hollins, as always, is focused on the only stat that matters.
“I’ve been on losing teams where I put up better stats. I’ve been on winning teams where I didn’t. I’ll take winning every day,” he said. “You want to get paid? Go win. I learned that as a rookie in Philly — winning fixes everything. That’s what I’m all about here: winning.”