Mack Hollins’ Super Bowl outfit and barefoot routine steal pregame spotlight

Mack Hollins arrived at Super Bowl LX looking less like a wide receiver headed to warmups and more like a character stepping into a scene. The New England Patriots veteran showed up barefoot in a prison-style jumpsuit, wrists and ankles shackled, with a mask covering the lower half of his face—an entrance that instantly set social media buzzing and turned a role player into one of the night’s most talked-about pregame figures.

The look wasn’t a random stunt. It fit two things Hollins has become known for across the league: dramatic, themed arrivals and a strict personal philosophy built around going barefoot whenever possible.

What he wore, and why it stood out

Hollins’ first pregame appearance featured a maroon prison-style jumpsuit and visible restraints, paired with the face covering that made the whole presentation feel intentionally unsettling. Later, he switched into a separate outfit for warmups that nodded to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel’s background, including a high school “Warriors” jersey.

Whether fans read it as performance art, a team-motivation reference, or simply Hollins being Hollins, the message was clear: he treats arrival as part of the event, not something to rush through on the way to the locker room.

The barefoot thing is real, not a gimmick

Hollins’ shoeless routine is not limited to a single big game. He’s spent multiple seasons leaning into barefoot living in public settings—stadiums, walkthroughs, media sessions—often saying he views shoes as optional tools rather than necessities.

He frames it as a mix of comfort, feel, and personal belief. The basic idea: feet are meant to do their job, and constant footwear can dull feedback and change mechanics. Critics see it as attention-seeking; supporters see it as extreme consistency.

What fans notice most about the routine

• He walks barefoot even in environments where most players keep slides on at minimum

• He treats it as a lifestyle choice, not a pregame superstition

• He’s done it long enough that teammates tend to describe it as “just him,” not a phase

Who is Mack Hollins?

Hollins is a 6-foot-4 wide receiver from Rockville, Maryland, who played college football at North Carolina and entered the league as a mid-round pick. He carved out a long career by doing the things coaches value from depth receivers: blocking, special teams work, and being ready for a handful of high-leverage snaps even when targets are limited.

He’s also a Super Bowl champion from his early years, which adds a layer to the moment: this isn’t a newcomer chasing attention—he’s a veteran who’s been in these games before and knows exactly how bright the stage is.

Why his pregame moment matters for the Patriots

In a Super Bowl, every team leans on stars—but champions also get unexpected contributions from players who can tilt a handful of possessions. Hollins’ value has often shown up in areas that don’t trend online: physical perimeter blocking, contested catches on third down, and special teams snaps that flip field position.

The pregame outfit moment is mostly entertainment, but it also reflects something real about the Patriots’ approach this season: embrace the edge, embrace the weird, and stay locked in under pressure. Hollins embodies that mindset as visibly as anyone on the roster.

What to watch once the game starts

If you’re wondering whether the viral pregame attention translates into on-field impact, the most likely places it shows up are small but meaningful.

• Red-zone snaps where size matters in tight windows

• Third downs where a single catch can extend a drive

• Crack-back and perimeter blocks that spring a run or a screen

• Special teams plays that win field position

In other words: don’t be surprised if the guy in shackles earlier becomes the guy throwing a key block or hauling in one tough catch when the game tightens.

Sources consulted: Associated Press, Reuters, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated